Peeling the Fruit
A map for tracking and guiding understanding
For further information on this routine, visit Visible Thinking at Harvard Project Zero.

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Description:
Peeling the Fruit thinking routine can be used to develop understanding of a complex topic over the course of days or weeks. It tracks and guides the exploration of a topic and requires students to look at the topic in a number of different ways. Works well with poetry, artwork, and much other complex material that is usually difficult for students to comprehend.

How to Use the Strategy:

Access online instructions here at Harvard Project Zero.

See the routine in practice here at Harvard Project Zero.

Notes:
  • Could put map on butcher paper.
  • Could allow student groups to draw their own type of fruit and “peel the fruit” on a common topic or different ones.
  •  Map can also be used to chart progress through a topic and make good choices of what to do next (such as throughout a science unit).  Also works for self-management in working through an individual project.
  • The routine can be used in small groups.  Once students are familiar with the routine, they should be able to move through the sections and conduct the discussion with less guidance from the teacher.
  • When using the map in a whole-class setting, you may want to have students use sticky notes to place on the fruit.

Content Application:
Resources
Download these resources to use in your classroom. 
Peeling the Fruit template.pdf
File Size: 32 kb
File Type: pdf
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peeling_the_fruit_layers_explained.pdf
File Size: 197 kb
File Type: pdf
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peeling_the_fruit_blank_-_multiple_sections.docx
File Size: 36 kb
File Type: docx
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