Preparation 

Integrating the knowledge tree exercise into your own syllabus: it can be used to introduce a new topic/unit to the class or use it as an activity to close a unit. 

As a standalone activity, the assignment can focus on pupils’ knowledge about local culture connected to e.g. landscape, arts, traditional farming, seafaring, crafts, a specific tradition. 

The words are chosen purposefully and depend on the goal you have in mind. 

Depending on your pupils’ language skills they can also add to the knowledge tree in the majority language and later translate it into the minority language. 

Instead of a tree, you can also choose a sheet of paper or a poster with drawings. 

Step 1 – One word or theme 

Choose one word around a theme.  

Step 2 – Designing the tree  

With your pupils, create the tree. It can be a real tree or a large sheet with drawings. 

Step 3 – Fill the tree 

Let each pupil complete the tree/drawing with words fitting the chosen topic. 

Step 4 – Discuss the words 

Discuss the words on the tree with the pupils. If applicable, translate the words in the majority language into the minority language. 

For the teacher  

You can also use this activity in a broader sense and use the knowledge tree to reflect with pupils for example on common concepts such as ‘happiness’ or ‘identity’.

Tips: Use (online) dictionaries to spell words in the minority language. Also enlist the help of other groups or students’ parents.