In this activity, students 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 words, or they can use words that they have discovered through their reading of the text.
This example uses the word “obedient”.
(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 Bridge to Terabithia.
Create a dedicated space in your classroom where students can display and interact with vocabulary words from Bridge to Terabithia. This helps reinforce learning and builds excitement around new words.
Encourage each student to find and add a new word from their reading to the word wall every week. This empowers students and keeps the activity fresh and engaging.
Ask students to provide both a written definition and a small drawing or printed image for each word. This supports multiple learning styles and deepens understanding.
Organize quick games like matching words to definitions or charades using words from the wall. This makes review fun and interactive for all learners.
Invite students to reflect on their favorite new words and how their vocabulary has grown. This builds confidence and reinforces the value of expanding language skills.
A Frayer Model is a graphic organizer that helps students deepen understanding of vocabulary words by defining the term, listing characteristics, providing examples, and identifying non-examples. In vocabulary lessons, students use the Frayer Model to analyze and visualize new words, which improves retention and comprehension.
To teach Bridge to Terabithia vocabulary, ask students to select a word from the novel and complete a Frayer Model: find a definition, list characteristics, provide examples (synonyms), and non-examples (antonyms), using both text and images to illustrate meaning.
Effective vocabulary words from Bridge to Terabithia include obedient, compliant, rebellious, respectful, and loyal. These words are relevant to the novel's themes and help students build literary vocabulary.
A completed Frayer Model for obedient would include: Definition: willing to obey; Characteristics: follows rules, respectful; Examples: law-abiding, compliant; Non-examples: rebellious, disobedient.
Visual vocabulary helps 4th and 5th grade students make abstract words concrete by pairing definitions with images and examples. This approach supports different learning styles and improves word retention and understanding.