69
Peel the Fruit
Grade level: 3 y old and up
Objectives:
-
A map for tracking and guiding understanding
PEEL THE FRUIT
1. Put some version of the map up in a convenient location or
give learners copies. See example below and notes about
different ways of using the map.
PURPOSE:
•
We often want to develop
learners’ understanding of a
complex topic over days or
2. Briefly state that the group will be tracking progress and
planning with the map from time to time. Note how the map
uses the metaphor of ‘peeling the fruit’, getting familiar with
the surface of something, seeking puzzles and mysteries to
investigate, and pursuing these in various ways to arrive at
core understandings.
weeks. This map can help. It’s
3. Refer to the map to choose next steps and mark
progress from time to time during the exploration of a topic
(no need to do everything every time). Use it as a way of
thinking about what routines to use or simply what kind of
conversation or other activity to have.
routines too.
not a routine but a way of
planning and tracking over
time the exploration of a topic.
It can help in choosing good
4. When the map is used collectively by a class, you may
want to invite learners to put up Post-it’s on the map over
time to mark insights associated with any of the map
elements.
Tips:
•
The main idea is to make visible the developing understanding to mark progress and choose
next steps.
•
Whatever fits-there’s no fixed order. You can go back to something and add at any time
Habits of mind: Wonder, take risk, reason with evidence, consider perspectives, reflect, organize.