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 “evolve”:
(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 Toys!.
Assess your students’ learning needs and language proficiency to tailor the Frayer Model task. Consider reading level, background knowledge, and language abilities so every student can participate meaningfully.
Offer a curated list of vocabulary words at varying difficulty levels. This helps struggling readers or English learners focus their efforts and boosts confidence by giving them accessible options.
Encourage students to express definitions, examples, and non-examples through drawings, verbal explanations, or digital images. Offering choices empowers students with different learning styles and abilities.
Provide sentence frames (e.g., “A characteristic of ___ is…”) and visual aids. These scaffolds help students organize their thoughts and reduce the language barrier.
Group students heterogeneously for peer support. Partners can brainstorm examples together, clarify directions, and encourage each other’s learning.
The Frayer Model is a graphic organizer that helps students deepen their understanding of vocabulary words by breaking them down into four parts: definition, characteristics, examples (synonyms), and non-examples (antonyms). This approach encourages critical thinking and helps students make meaningful connections with new terms.
To use the Frayer Model with vocabulary from "Toys! Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions," have students select a key word from the text, research its definition, list characteristics, provide examples and non-examples, and illustrate their understanding with images or drawings. This method promotes engagement and comprehension of the text's vocabulary.
Easy steps for a Frayer Model: 1) Choose a vocabulary word. 2) Find and write its definition. 3) List key characteristics. 4) Add examples (synonyms) and non-examples (antonyms). 5) Illustrate the word or use relevant images to reinforce meaning.
The Frayer Model is effective for 4th and 5th graders because it encourages active learning, supports visual and written expression, and helps students categorize and differentiate between similar and opposite words, leading to better retention and understanding.
Examples of words include evolve, invent, mechanism, prototype, and innovation. These terms connect directly to the themes of invention and development found in the "Toys!" text and are ideal for exploring with the Frayer Model.