Free Printable Frayer Model Templates

About these frayer model handouts

The Frayer model is a vocabulary organizer that asks students to understand a word or concept from four angles instead of copying one dictionary definition. The term goes in the center. Around it are four boxes: definition, characteristics, examples and non-examples. Putting examples next to non-examples makes students decide where the edge of the idea lies, which is where real understanding shows.

The standard version is the four-box layout with the term in an oval at the center and room to write in each corner. The math version replaces the four boxes with a definition box, a formula or symbol box, properties, an example with the numbers shown, a non-example with a reason, and space to draw a diagram or number line. The vocabulary with picture version gives half the page to a drawing and the other half to a definition in the student's own words, a sentence, a synonym and an antonym, which suits English learners and younger students. The examples and non-examples version gives two tall columns with a check and a cross, plus a place to explain how the student knows.

Use it for science terms such as erosion, social studies terms such as democracy, or math terms such as polygon. Type the word into the Subject box to print it in the center before copying.

How to use them

1. Choose the version that fits the subject and age of your students.
2. Type the vocabulary word or concept into the Subject box and print.
3. Students write the definition in their own words first, not copied from a glossary.
4. Add characteristics, then at least two examples and two non-examples.
5. Finish with a sentence, drawing or explanation that proves the word is understood.

Classroom tips

• Ask for non-examples that are close to the term. A square is a better non-example for a triangle than a banana.
• Pair students to compare Frayer pages for the same word and talk about differences.
• Post finished models on a word wall by unit so students can reuse them.
• Limit each page to one word; grading is faster and students think harder.

Last reviewed 2026-10-03. Handout Hero designs are original and made for this site. They are general reference material; check your own school, district or tradition where it matters.