Frayer Model
Class Size
Individual
Time
10-15 min
Technology
None
Domain
Cognitive
Difficulty
Beginner
Delivery
Face-to-Face, Online, Hybrid
Overview
The Frayer Model is a graphic organizer for vocabulary development. Students write the word in the center and fill four boxes: Definition (in their own words), Characteristics (key attributes), Examples (instances of the concept), and Non-Examples (things that are NOT the concept).
Educational Purpose
Traditional vocabulary instruction asks students to memorize definitions. The Frayer Model deepens understanding by requiring students to identify characteristics, examples, and non-examples. The non-examples box is particularly powerful because it forces students to define the boundaries of the concept.
Educational Psychology Behind It
Research on concept development shows that defining what something is NOT is as important as defining what it IS. The non-examples box clarifies boundaries and prevents overgeneralization.
Why It Works
Research on concept development shows that defining what something is NOT is as important as defining what it IS. The non-examples box clarifies boundaries and prevents overgeneralization.
When to Use It
Use for teaching key vocabulary or concepts in any subject. Grade 3 and up. Works for both concrete terms (mammal) and abstract concepts (justice). Can be done individually or in groups.
When NOT to Use It
Avoid Frayer Models with overly simple words that don't need deep analysis. Avoid copying definitions from the dictionary instead of using own words. Do not skip the non-examples box.
Best Grade Levels
Grades Grade 3 to Grade 12
Best Subjects
All subjects
Step-by-Step Classroom Guide
- 1Select a key concept or vocabulary word.
- 2Distribute or draw the Frayer Model graphic organizer: center word, four boxes (Definition, Characteristics, Examples, Non-Examples).
- 3Students write a definition in their own words (not copied).
- 4Students list characteristics: What are the key attributes?
- 5Students list examples: What are instances of this concept?
- 6Students list non-examples: What looks similar but is NOT this concept? Why not?
- 7Share and discuss. Compare definitions and non-examples.
Classroom Scenario
Mr. Cruz uses the Frayer Model in Grade 7 Science for the word 'mammal.' Definition: A warm-blooded vertebrate that has hair and feeds its young with milk. Characteristics: warm-blooded, vertebrate, hair/fur, mammary glands, live birth (mostly). Examples: dog, whale, bat, human. Non-Examples: lizard (cold-blooded), bird (lays eggs, no milk), fish (gills, no hair), insect (invertebrate). A student asks: 'What about the platypus? It's a mammal but lays eggs.' This leads to a discussion of exceptions and the complexity of classification. The Frayer Model doesn't just teach the word -- it teaches the concept's boundaries.
Sample Dialogue
Advantages
- Deepens conceptual understanding beyond memorized definitions
- Non-examples clarify concept boundaries and prevent overgeneralization
- Students use their own words, ensuring understanding
- Works for both concrete and abstract concepts
- Works in any subject
Limitations
- Can be time-consuming for each word
- Students may copy definitions instead of using own words
- Non-examples can be challenging for students to generate
- Not all vocabulary words warrant this depth of analysis
Common Mistakes
- Copying definitions from the dictionary instead of using own words
- Skipping the non-examples box, which is the most valuable part
- Using it for simple words that don't need deep analysis
- Not discussing the boundaries revealed by non-examples
Variations & Adaptations
Adapt the text complexity, group size, and role assignments based on students' reading levels and experience with the strategy.
Technology Integration
This strategy requires no technology. If desired, enhance with digital tools such as Google Docs for collaborative writing or Padlet for sharing responses.
Assessment Ideas
Assess through observation of participation, quality of vocabulary, and formative checks such as exit tickets or quick writes.
Reflection Questions
🤔 What did you learn from this activity?
🤔 What was the most challenging part?
🤔 How could you use this strategy in a different subject?
🤔 What would you do differently next time?
References & Further Reading
- Frayer, D. et al. (1969). A Schema for Testing the Level of Concept Mastery. Reading Research.