In their article, What’s the Big Deal About Vocabulary, Dunstan and Tyminski state, “The Frayer model (Frayer, Frederick, & Klausmeier 1969) is a graphic organizer that allows students to use inquiry to learn new concepts in mathematics and science.” Use it to make a literacy-math connection for your students (Dunston & Tyminski, 2013).
To teach students to use the Frayer Model, follow this process:
- Select Key Vocabulary: Pre-select key vocabulary words and make copies of graphic organizer.
- Provide Graphic Organizer to Students: Provide explicit instruction for the Frayer Model graphic organizer to students.
- Model the Process: Follow a gradual release model—I Do (teacher modeling), We Do (teacher and students together) , We do it together (partners), You Do it independently (Dunston & Tyminski, 2013).
Frayer Model Resources
- Use a FRAYER MODEL template
- Completed math Frayer Model at the IRIS Center—Building Vocabulary and Conceptual Knowledge
- Math Examples and digital template for the Frayer Model found at Understood.org
- Demonstration Video: Working with Vocabulary/Concept Development
Mathematics Vocabulary Word Wall Cards (VDOE)
Math Word Wall Cards, updated for the 2016 math standards, provide a display of mathematics content words and associated visual cues to assist in vocabulary development. The cards should be used as an instructional tool for teachers and then as a reference for all students, particularly English learners and students with disabilities.
Suggested uses as a formative instructional tool:
- Integrate the use of cards into daily instruction and post for student reference.
- Highlight key words or portions of pictures.
- Make your math word wall and interactive tool for students by updating it regularly.
- Add notation, words, or pictures to assist students to make connections.
- Group multiple cards when teaching units.
- Reformat cards to create a personal set on a ring that can be used for student reference.
EQUATION VOCABULARY SAMPLE LESSON: Use the lesson format to incorporate Word Wall cards in your math lessons.
References
Dunston, P. & Tyminski A., 2013. What’s the Big Deal about Vocabulary. Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp 38-45.
Frayer, Dorothy A., Wayne C. Frederick, and Herbert J. Klausmeier. 1969. A Schema for Testing the Level of Cognitive Mastery. Working Paper No. 16 Wisconsin Research and Development Center. Madison: University of Wisconsin.
