Frayer Model Template Library

Teachers often use a Frayer Model template for teaching vocabulary. It’s a helpful graphic organizer that has four sections: definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples. These sections are usually arranged in quadrants around the target word or concept in the middle.

For example, let’s say you’re learning about the term “ecosystem.” In the “definition” quadrant, you might write “A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.” In the “characteristics” section, you could list things like “includes both biotic and abiotic factors,” “has energy flow,” and “nutrient cycling.” In the “examples” quadrant, you’d write specific ecosystems like “rainforest” or “desert,” and in the “non-examples” section, you could list things that are not ecosystems, like “a single organism” or “a rock.”

Below you’ll find our Frayer model template library. Just download and print the one(s) you want to use.

Using the Frayer Model in the Classroom

Here are some tips for using the model in your classroom:

1. Identify Target Words: Choose the vocabulary or concepts you want your students to focus on.

1. Create the Frayer Model Template: You can either provide pre-made templates or instruct students on how to make their own. Essentially, they’ll draw a large square and divide it into four smaller squares, then write the target word in the middle.

1. Fill In the Quadrants: Go over each section of the Frayer Model and explain what kind of information goes in each. You could start by filling one out as a class to model the process.

1. Individual or Group Work: Have students complete their own Frayer Models for additional words or concepts, either individually or in small groups.

1. Review and Discuss: Bring the class back together to share what they’ve come up with. This is a good opportunity to correct misunderstandings and reinforce the correct definitions and characteristics.

1. Revisit: Periodically refer back to the completed Frayer Models to help reinforce the vocabulary or concept, especially before assessments.

The Frayer Model can be a really effective way to deepen understanding because it guides students to think about a word or concept from multiple angles.

Using the Frayer Model at Home

Using the Frayer Model at home can be a beneficial supplement to classroom learning, or a way to explore new topics that interest your child. It’s adaptable, interactive, and can make learning more enjoyable. Plus, it’s easy to use which is a nice plus!

Here are some tips for parents:

1. Identify Learning Goals: Think about the words or concepts you’d like your child to learn or better understand. These could align with their current schoolwork or could be something they’ve shown interest in.

1. Simplify When Needed: If the traditional four-quadrant model seems too complex for your child, you can simplify it. You might start with just the definition and examples, for instance, and add other elements as they become more comfortable.

1. Make It Interactive: Get some markers, colored pencils, or even digital drawing tools and make the process colorful and engaging. You could even cut out pictures from magazines or print from the internet to stick in the “examples” quadrant.

1. Work Together: This is a great activity to do together with your child. You can take turns coming up with examples or characteristics, or even quiz each other once it’s completed.

1. Use Real-Life Connections: Make the learning more engaging by relating it to real-life scenarios or personal experiences. If you’re using the Frayer Model for a math concept like “fractions,” for instance, relate it to cooking or sharing snacks.

1. Keep Them Accessible: Once you’ve completed a Frayer Model, consider putting it up on the fridge or in a folder that’s easy to reach. That way, you can review it from time to time, helping to reinforce the learning.

1. Make It a Game: Who says learning can’t be fun? You can turn the exercise into a game where you and your child guess each other’s examples or non-examples. Whoever guesses the most correct wins!

1. Review and Update: Once in a while, go back to older Frayer Models to review and maybe update them with new examples or characteristics. This reinforces learning and shows your child how much they’ve learned.

1. Extend the Learning: If your child found a particular word or concept especially interesting, encourage them to explore it further. They could read more about it, watch videos, or even create a mini-project around it.