The Frayer Model for Math

Frayer Model

ThoughtCo. / Deb Russell

By
Deb Russell
Deb Russell
Math Expert
Deb Russell is a school principal and teacher with over 25 years of experience teaching mathematics at all levels.
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Updated on January 16, 2020

The Frayer Model is a graphic organizer that was traditionally used for language concepts, specifically to enhance the development of vocabulary. However, graphic organizers are great tools to support thinking through problems in math. When given a specific problem, we need to use the following process to guide our thinking which is usually a four-step process:

  1. What is being asked? Do I understand the question?
  2. What strategies might I use?
  3. How will I solve the problem?
  4. What is my answer? How do I know? Did I fully answer the question?

Learning to Use the Frayer Model in Math

These 4 steps are then applied to the Frayer model template (print the PDF) to guide the problem-solving process and develop an effective way of thinking. When the graphic organizer is used consistently and frequently, over time, there will be a definite improvement in the process of solving problems in math. Students who were afraid to take risks will develop confidence in approaching the solving of math problems.

Let's take a very basic problem to show what the thinking process would be for using the Frayer Model.

Sample Problem and Solution

A clown was carrying a bunch of balloons. The wind came along and blew away 7 of them and now he only has 9 balloons left. How many balloons did the clown begin with?

Using the Frayer Model to Solve the Problem:

  1. Understand: I need to find out how many balloons the clown had before the wind blew them away.
  2. Plan: I could draw a picture of how many balloons he has and how many balloons the wind blew away.
  3. Solve: The drawing would show all of the balloons, the child may also come up with the number sentence as well.
  4. Check: Re-read the question and put the answer in written format.

Although this problem is a basic problem, the unknown is at the beginning of the problem which often stumps young learners. As learners become comfortable with using a graphic organizer like a 4 block method or the Frayer Model which is modified for math, the ultimate result is improved problem-solving skills. The Frayer Model also follows the steps to solving problems in math.

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Russell, Deb. "The Frayer Model for Math." ThoughtCo, Aug. 26, 2020, thoughtco.com/the-frayer-model-for-math-2312085. Russell, Deb. (2020, August 26). The Frayer Model for Math. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/the-frayer-model-for-math-2312085 Russell, Deb. "The Frayer Model for Math." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/the-frayer-model-for-math-2312085 (accessed March 22, 2023).