Ready-to-use classroom activity

Six Thinking Hats

Groups examine a topic from six perspectives represented by colored hats: facts, emotions, caution, benefits, creativity, and process management.

Grade range

5th Grade – 12th Grade

Works across

ScienceEnglishHistory

Activity style

CollaborativeDiscussionAnalytical

Six Thinking Hats

Groups examine a topic from six perspectives represented by colored hats: facts, emotions, caution, benefits, creativity, and process management.

Example lesson: Analyzing a Policy Decision (History/Science - 8th Grade)

Materials

  • Colored paper hats or hat cards in six colors
  • Six Thinking Hats reference chart
  • Discussion recording sheet
  • Topic background information

Preparation

Create or purchase colored hats/cards for each color. Make reference chart explaining each hat. Select a complex topic with multiple valid perspectives. Plan timing for each hat.

Run the activity

  1. Introduce Six Thinking Hats (Edward de Bono): A way to examine issues from multiple perspectives.
  2. Explain each hat:

  3. White Hat

    Facts only. What do we know? What data exists?

  4. Red Hat

    Emotions. How do you feel? Gut reactions? (No justification needed)

  5. Black Hat

    Caution. What could go wrong? Risks? Problems?

  6. Yellow Hat

    Benefits. What's good about this? Opportunities?

  7. Green Hat

    Creativity. New ideas? Alternatives? What if?

  8. Blue Hat

    Process. Are we on track? What's next? Summary?

  9. Topic: 'Our city is considering banning single-use plastics.'
  10. Everyone wears the same hat at the same time. Start with White (facts).
  11. White Hat (3 min): Only share facts - no opinions. 'Plastic takes 500 years to decompose.'
  12. Red Hat (2 min): Share feelings. 'I feel frustrated about pollution.'
  13. Continue through each hat, blue hat periodically checking process.
  14. Yellow and Black together (5 min): List benefits, then concerns.
  15. Green Hat (5 min): Creative alternatives and new ideas.
  16. Blue Hat conclusion: What did we learn by examining this from all angles?

Differentiation

Assign specific hats to students who struggle with perspective-taking. Provide starter sentences for each hat. For advanced students, have them lead the blue hat process management.

Assessment

Evaluate thoroughness of each perspective. Note if students can genuinely adopt unfamiliar viewpoints. Check that process hat keeps discussion productive. Use recorded notes for understanding.