To tailor working with the thinking hats to pupils’ level, you can differentiate into three levels:

• Beginner learners (6-7 years old): students explore one or two thinking hats at a time, with a lot of support from the teacher. The questions are simple and visual, and answers may also be drawn. Thinking aloud together is central.
• Advanced learners (8-9 years old): students use several thinking hats in succession. They think independently, share their ideas in groups and write or draw their answers. The teacher guides mainly by asking questions and reflecting together.
• Expert learners (9–10 years old): students use all six thinking hats independently or in groups, also with more complex topics or their own projects. They consciously switch perspectives, ask each other in-depth questions and reflect critically on their thinking process.

This structure makes it possible to build thinking skills step-by-step, tailored to the pace and level of the children.