Frayer Model
Choose one high-value topic word. Spend 2 minutes drafting a learner-friendly meaning and defining features, 3 minutes adding an example and a near-miss, then 3 minutes explaining how the features distinguish them and applying the definition to a new example.
Worked classroom example
Mathematics
For rectangle: four right angles are a defining feature; a square is an example; a slanted non-rectangular parallelogram is a non-example. Learners explain why the defining feature includes the square but excludes the near-miss.
Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.
Teaching sequence
- Create four labelled spaces: meaning, defining features, example and non-example. Choose one useful topic word and draft a learner-friendly meaning.
- Complete the example and near-miss using evidence from the subject. Name the feature that makes the example fit and the near-miss not fit.
- Test the definition on a new example. Explain the classification in a sentence using the topic word accurately.
Materials and purpose
one high-value word from the current topic
Meeting a word through examples, retrieval and use helps learners remember it and choose it accurately in a new context.
Try it in your next lesson
Prepare
Use one high-value word from the current topic. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.
Classroom task
Choose one high-value topic word. Spend 2 minutes drafting a learner-friendly meaning and defining features, 3 minutes adding an example and a near-miss, then 3 minutes explaining how the features distinguish them and applying the definition to a new example.
Check independent transfer
Apply the definition to a new example without relying on superficial appearance.
Collect a response on fresh content. Note what was achieved without the model, partner or teacher prompt, then choose one next teaching step.
Teacher language
Teacher language
Which defining feature includes this example and excludes the near miss?
“Which feature makes this an example of the word?”
“How does the meaning or useful phrase change in another context?”
Respond to the learner
Identify one successful meaning or language choice. Ask about one gap, allow thinking time, then invite a revision. Check the revised move again on a fresh example.
Adjust support and challenge
Offer a brief model, useful vocabulary and partner rehearsal where needed. Keep the subject goal; reduce one prompt on fresh content and record what was independent.
Teaching this skill → · Age and language support →
More support
Use an image, object, bilingual gloss and contrasting example. Retrieve the word in a new sentence rather than repeat a definition only. Allow familiar-language notes or another response mode when checking subject understanding.
Greater independence
Change the content, evidence or audience. Remove the completed model and ask learners to explain a choice. Increase subject complexity only when it fits the curriculum and prior knowledge.
Choose the next step
If subject meaning is insecure, reteach the concept. If the concept is understood but the English is unclear, model one useful language relationship and invite a fresh response.