De Bono's Six Thinking Hats
A Creative Thinking Framework Year 5 Critical Thinking Exploring Different Perspectives
Meet Edward de Bono
Maltese doctor and inventor Created the Six Thinking Hats in 1985 Wanted to help people think more clearly His ideas are used in schools and businesses worldwide
Why Do We Need Different Ways of Thinking?
Our brains naturally focus on one type of thinking at a time Different problems need different approaches Working in groups can be confusing without structure The Six Hats help us be more creative and fair
White Hat - Facts and Information
Focus on facts, data, and information Ask: 'What do we know?' Look for gaps in our knowledge Stay neutral and objective
Red Hat - Feelings and Emotions
Express feelings and emotions freely Ask: 'How do I feel about this?' No need to justify emotions Includes hunches and intuition
Black Hat - Caution and Critical Thinking
Look for problems and risks Ask: 'What could go wrong?' Point out weaknesses in ideas Help avoid mistakes and dangers
Yellow Hat - Positive and Optimistic Thinking
Focus on benefits and opportunities Ask: 'What's good about this?' Look for reasons why something might work Build on positive aspects
Green Hat - Creativity and New Ideas
Generate new and creative ideas Ask: 'What are some alternatives?' Think outside the box Explore possibilities and innovations
Blue Hat - Managing the Thinking Process
Controls and organizes thinking Ask: 'What thinking do we need now?' Sets the agenda and keeps focus Usually worn by the leader or facilitator
Six Thinking Hats Worksheet Activity
Choose a school issue: 'Should our school have longer lunch breaks?' Work in groups of 4-6 students Each group member takes a different hat Spend 3 minutes thinking from your hat's perspective Share your thoughts with the group Rotate hats and repeat!
1 more slide available after you open the deck.
Download all 11 slides