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 wail:
(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 "Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf".
Boost vocabulary retention by weaving Frayer Model activities into your everyday reading schedule. Set aside a few minutes during or after shared reading time for students to pick new or challenging words and quickly create mini Frayer Models. This ongoing practice helps students naturally expand their word knowledge and apply it in context.
Demonstrate how you fill in each Frayer Model section by thinking aloud and sharing your reasoning. Explain why you chose certain examples or non-examples and how you used context clues from the story. This transparency helps students internalize each component and builds their confidence in independent work.
Foster discussion by inviting students to work in pairs or small groups to select words and brainstorm examples together. Sharing ideas deepens understanding and exposes students to different perspectives on word meaning and usage.
Celebrate student work by creating a classroom vocabulary wall with completed Frayer Models. Regularly update the display with new words from current texts, keeping vocabulary visible and top-of-mind for your students.
The Frayer Model is a graphic organizer that helps students understand vocabulary by defining a word, listing its characteristics, providing examples (synonyms), and non-examples (antonyms). In this activity, students use the Frayer Model to explore words from 'Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf' by Roald Dahl.
To create a visual vocabulary board with the Frayer Model, pick a word, define it, add characteristics, give examples and non-examples, and illustrate meanings with scenes, characters, or images. You can also use online resources like Photos for Class to find relevant pictures.
Some sample vocabulary words from 'Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf' include wail, howl, tough, and grieve. Students can choose these or discover their own words while reading the text.
Including examples and non-examples helps students grasp the word’s meaning more fully by showing what the word does and does not apply to, making it easier to remember and use in context.
This Frayer Model vocabulary activity is designed for 4th and 5th grade students, supporting vocabulary development at a reinforcing or developing difficulty level.