Frayer Model Graphic Organizers for Gen Z Lingo

Many teachers struggle to keep up with the latest Gen Z lingo, falling victim to the constantly evolving vocabulary born from viral memes and TikTok trends. The use of these trending terms is generally considered off-limits for adults. This could be due to fear of misuse or overindulgence sending us into “cringe” territory. Whenever I hear a new word or phrase make its way around campus, I do not fear, or even cringe. I have my secret weapon: Frayer Model graphic organizers.

The Frayer Model is my cheat sheet for understanding complex terms and ideas by breaking them into easy-to-digest pieces. Let your students use Frayer Model graphic organizers to teach you how to correctly speak their language and join the conversation. It’s a fun and engaging way to introduce your students to a vocabulary tool they will be using all year long.

Examples of Frayer Model Graphic Organizers:

Using the Frayer Model to define trending terms: very demure, very mindful.

frayer model graphic organizer for the word demure
Spending too much time customizing Frayer Model graphic organizers to match the theme of the word is my beige flag.
frayer model graphic organizer for the term beige flag
My Roman Empire: Thinking about how vocabulary instruction based on memorization (mixing and matching words and their definitions) often fails to provide context and practical application, leading to an easily forgettable and superficial understanding of a word.

More Ways to Use the Frayer Model in Your Classroom

Students work in groups to define a trending word or phrase using the Frayer Model graphic organizer template. Students will then attempt to create their own trending word or phrase. Then, they will define it using the Frayer Model template. The real question is if they can get their classmates and peers to actually start using it on campus!

These Frayer Model templates for Google Slides are just what you need to level up vocabulary instruction in your classroom. The best strategies in your classroom are the ones that you can implement all year, across various units without getting boring. With vibrant, attention-grabbing designs, these Frayer Model templates will encourage students to get on board with the Frayer Model becoming a staple in your classroom.

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