In this activity, students will demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary words using a Frayer Model. After choosing a word, students provide a definition, characteristics, examples (synonyms), and non-examples (antonyms) of the word. Students may be provided the vocabulary word, or they can use words that they have discovered through their reading of the text.
This example uses the word plashless:
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a Frayer Model for one of the vocabulary words from the "A Bird Came Down the Walk".
Encourage active engagement by setting up a classroom gallery walk, where students can display their Frayer Models and review each other’s work. This allows students to share ideas, gain feedback, and see diverse approaches to understanding vocabulary.
Arrange desks or tables so each student has dedicated space to showcase their Frayer Model. This helps highlight individual efforts and makes it easy for classmates to circulate and view each display.
Provide sticky notes and prompt students to leave specific, positive feedback or questions on each peer’s model. This fosters a supportive learning community and encourages thoughtful reflection on vocabulary use.
Lead a short, whole-class conversation after the walk to discuss new vocabulary connections and clarify any misunderstandings. This step helps deepen comprehension and celebrates student learning.
A Frayer Model is a graphic organizer that helps students deepen their understanding of vocabulary by prompting them to define a word, describe its characteristics, and provide examples and non-examples. Using it with 'A Bird Came Down the Walk' helps students visualize and contextualize key terms from the poem.
To create a visual vocabulary board, choose a word from the poem, use a Frayer Model template, and fill in the definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples. Add illustrations or images (drawn or sourced online) to make each section more engaging and clear for students.
Effective ways include using Frayer Models, encouraging students to find definitions, characteristics, and examples, and supporting their understanding with visuals. Collaborative discussions and creative activities like drawing or using online photo searches also enhance engagement and retention.
Providing examples and non-examples helps students distinguish the precise meaning of a word. It clarifies nuances, prevents misconceptions, and encourages deeper understanding by showing what the word does and does not represent.
Yes, students can select their own vocabulary words from the poem, allowing for more personalized and meaningful learning. This approach fosters independence and encourages active reading and exploration of the text.