Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

Frayer Model

Michelle Humble

Based on Frayer Model by K20 Center.

  • Grade Level Grade Level 6th, 11th, 12th
  • Subject Subject
  • Course Course

Summary

This instructional strategy allows participants to graphically organize their prior knowledge about a concept into an operational definition.

Essential Question(s)

Procedure

  1. Students separate a page into four quadrants by drawing one horizontal line and one vertical line (essentially drawing a full-page plus sign) with an oval in the center.

  2. They label quadrants as follows (beginning from the upper-left quadrant moving clockwise): definition, characteristics, examples, non-examples.

  3. Provide students with the concept you want them to think about and have them write this in the center oval of the graphic organizer.

  4. Begin by using a familiar concept to explain the Frayer Model diagram and demonstrate how to fill it in.

  5. Give students time to fill in the diagram.

  6. Once the diagram is complete, let the students share their ideas with a partner or group, modifying their diagrams as they accept new information.

  7. Partners/small groups then share out their thoughts or participate in a whole-class discussion (optional).