As a TCEA blog writer and former elementary teacher, I’m always on the lookout for creative and effective ways to spark learning in the classroom. Today, I’m excited to share a fresh twist on the Frayer Model: using Emoji Kitchen. By merging the playful creativity of emoji mashups with the structured, concept-building power of the Frayer Model, educators can offer students a fun, visual, and engaging way to deepen their vocabulary understanding.
This approach not only makes learning new words more enjoyable but also reinforces comprehension through both context and creativity. If you haven’t seen my original post on using Emoji Kitchen in the ELA classroom, be sure to check it out.
Emoji Kitchen
Emoji Kitchen is a playful feature that allows users to create custom emojis by combining different emoji elements. This creative process encourages users to think outside the box and express their ideas in a visually appealing manner. By utilizing Emoji Kitchen, learners can associate emotions and concepts with words, making vocabulary learning more relatable and memorable.
The Frayer Model
The Frayer Model is a graphic organizer used to help students understand vocabulary words in depth. It typically includes four sections:
- Definition: A clear and concise explanation of the word.
- Characteristics: Key attributes or features of the word.
- Examples: Sentences or scenarios that illustrate the word in context.
- Non-examples: Instances that clarify what the word does not mean.
This structured approach encourages critical thinking and helps students build a comprehensive understanding of vocabulary. For more detailed information, please read my colleague, Dr. Bruce Ellis’ blog on The Frayer Model: Transforming Vocabulary Learning in All Grade Levels. Need a template? You can make a copy here: Frayer Model Template.
Merging Emoji Kitchen with the Frayer Model
By integrating Emoji Kitchen with the Frayer Model, educators can create a dynamic vocabulary learning experience. Here’s how to implement this combination:
- Choose a Vocabulary Word: Select a word that students need to learn.
- Fill Out the Frayer Model: Students then complete the four sections of the Frayer Model for the vocabulary word.
- Create an Emoji: Using Emoji Kitchen, students can design a custom emoji that represents the chosen word. This visual representation reinforces their understanding, as well as encouraging creativity and personal connection to the vocabulary.
- Share and Discuss: Students can present their emojis and Frayer Models to the class, fostering discussion and collaborative learning.
Benefits of This Approach
- Engagement: The creative aspect of Emoji Kitchen captures students’ interest and motivates them to participate actively in vocabulary learning.
- Visual Learning: Associating words with images helps reinforce memory and understanding.
- Critical Thinking: The Frayer Model encourages deeper analysis of words, promoting critical thinking skills.
- Collaboration: Sharing creations fosters a sense of community and collaboration among students.
Adding a Little More Flair
Want to take it up a notch? Have your students find a quote that connects to their word—then go wild with even more emojis!
Combining Emoji Kitchen with the Frayer Model is a fun and creative way to make vocabulary learning more meaningful (and way more engaging IMHO). It’s the perfect mix of imagination and structure—helping students not just remember new words, but really understand and use them. This simple but powerful combo adds a little spark to your lessons and helps set students up for success in both the classroom and beyond. Give it a try and I hope you see vocabulary magic in action!
