This creative problem-solving technique can be used in any lesson whenever students need to interpret a given situation, examine it from multiple perspectives, solve a problem or situation, make a decision, and so on. Such a lesson situation can be incorporated into any class.
In the following, we will introduce how to incorporate the “six hats” technique into the classroom:
- Introduce the topic: ‘We are going to discuss our idea for the schoolyard with the six thinking hats.’ Explain what you are going to think about and what the actions are. Divide the class in small working groups
Make the thinking hats-scene visual in the classroom and make the six coloured hats (or cards) available to the whole class
| Hat | Question you ask | Sample activity |
|---|---|---|
| ⚪ White (facts) | What do we already know? | Write down or draw information |
| ❤️ Red (feelings) | What do we think or feel? | Let children choose or draw an emoji |
| ⚫ Black (critical) | What doesn’t work well? | Put a cross by what might be tricky |
| 🟡 Yellow (positive) | What’s good about it? | Have children draw a sun by their idea |
| 🟢 Green (creative) | What else can we think of? | Brainstorm on paper or with LEGO/blocks |
| 🔵 Blue (overview) | What should we do next? | Have children make a roadmap or divide tasks |
- Think for each hat (one at a time): Walk step by step through each thinking hat. At each hat, give children space to share their opinion, idea or feeling – verbally, on a post-it or via a worksheet. Children present their idea for the playground with their group. Every student expresses their opinion, feeling, vision or possible solution to each hat
- Reflect together: Discuss briefly what you have learned. For example:
- ‘What did we discover by thinking like this?’
- ‘What idea do we want to develop further?’
- ‘What did you find difficult or fun about this way of thinking?’