Recycled Instructional Strategies – The Frayer Model

Finding effective instructional strategy tools for teaching math is sometimes easier said than done.

And, if you do find them, they must be easy to use.

One instructional strategy you might want to dig out of the recycle bin (If you aren’t already) is the Frayer Model.

And, by the way, you can use the Frayer Model anywhere! In class, learning from home AND homeschooling! This instructional strategy is flexible and so easy to use.

Use of the Frayer Model as an Instructional Strategy

The Frayer Model is simple and useful for teaching and learning math concepts. How simple is it? It is a matter of writing down the math term or concept in the middle of the graphic organizer and then filling in four boxes around it.

It is easy to create. It is easy for students to use. And, even better, it is fun for kids!

How Does the Frayer Model Serve as an Effective Instructional Strategy?

The Frayer Model is well supported by research. You already know about Marzano’s instructional strategies in teaching and learning. The Frayer Model perfectly checks off all the boxes for Marzano’s vocabulary strategy recommendations.

• It is engaging

• Gives kids a different way to organize and digest information

• Easy to use

• Works in all kinds of learning environments

How to Use the Frayer Model as an Instructional Strategy in Math

You only need to follow a few simple steps to model using the Frayer Model for your students:

• Share an example/poster with the class to set the stage.

• Talk through your work with your own example. Let them hear your thought process.

• Collaboratively generate vocabulary or math concepts related to your current unit.

• Have all students create a model for one of the words in their math journals/notebooks. It is easy to draw. Partner work is a fun way to scaffold their learning.

Examples:

Area of a Rectangle

Area of a Triangle

How to Use the Frayer Model as an Instructional Strategy in Different Settings

There is no doubt you are in search of different instructional strategies that can be used in multiple settings. How can the Frayer Model help?

Homeschool

In homeschool settings, you can still follow the steps shared above. You just change the players. You are the teacher, so think through filling out the Frayer Model with your student. You can partner while the student fills out his or her own. Or, another member of the family can fill that role. You can keep math journals where the student practices on their own. It is an instructional strategy worth using. It even makes teaching and learning math (and other content areas) fun and engaging.

Distance Learning

In a virtual setting, lots of possibilities exist. Use the steps above if you can scaffold the instructional strategy. You can use apps like Zoom or another conference app to create a synchronous environment. Even if you can’t create a synchronous learning environment, you can use apps such as Google Classroom to share templates and records of your own creation of a Frayer Model as an instructional strategy. You can use discussion boards or chats to enable students to interact as they create their own Frayer models asynchronously. If your students are working with packets or workbooks, you can provide them with a printed example or even give them a link to a YouTube video of you explaining.

Write about how to use the model in virtual instruction and in homeschool. Talk about sharing the model for students in Google Classroom, practice together using Zoom, WebEx, or other apps, worksheets, keeping models of vocabulary organized in binder/journal so easy to find, using a Frayer as a formative assessment tool with a rubric.

Next Steps Using the Frayer Model as a Math Instructional Strategy

Now you have everything you need to get started with this instructional strategy.

Try it out! You will see significant results, especially with math concepts.

Don’t forget to have students revisit the Frayer Models they have created. They can study them, explain them to classmates or family or go back and add more! This instructional strategy will appeal to your kinesthetic and visual learners, but it really jives with all learner types.

By the way, we are having a sale at our TPT store May 5th and 6th. Be sure to stop by!