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 “nomad”.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Demonstrate your understanding of the vocabulary words in "My Librarian is a Camel" by creating visualizations.
Make vocabulary learning a regular part of your classroom! Incorporate vocabulary boards into daily or weekly reading sessions to help students consistently build word knowledge while connecting new words to their reading experiences.
Demonstrate choosing meaningful words from shared texts and show students how to use print or digital dictionaries to find accurate definitions. This encourages independent research skills and critical thinking about word selection.
Encourage students to illustrate each vocabulary word using drawings or digital images. Visuals help make abstract words concrete and support memory retention, especially for visual learners.
Organize opportunities for students to present their vocabulary boards to classmates and receive constructive feedback. This builds communication skills and allows students to learn from one another’s perspectives and creativity.
Use short exit tickets where students apply a new vocabulary word in a sentence or identify an antonym or synonym. Quick checks ensure comprehension and provide valuable data for future instruction.
The Frayer Model is a graphic organizer that helps students understand vocabulary words by defining them, listing characteristics, giving examples, and providing non-examples. For 'My Librarian is a Camel,' students select a word, fill out each section, and illustrate meanings for deeper comprehension.
To make a visual vocabulary board, pick a word from the book, define it, describe its characteristics, show examples and non-examples, and add illustrations or photos for each. Use tools like Photos for Class or draw your own images to help students visualize word meanings.
Some strong vocabulary words from 'My Librarian is a Camel' include nomad, migrant, library, camel, and mobile. Choose words that are new or challenging for students, or that are important to the text’s main ideas.
Examples and non-examples help students make connections and distinguish meanings. Seeing both what a word is and what it is not builds a clearer, deeper understanding and prevents confusion when students encounter the word in context.
Students should: 1) Choose a word from the text, 2) Find and write its definition, 3) Describe its characteristics, 4) List examples and non-examples, and 5) Illustrate each section with drawings or photos to show understanding.