Can we love being stretched in all directions?
No, I’m not talking about stress; I’m talking about learning. In a world where we’re constantly faced with new challenges and wider problems, regular old thinking just doesn’t cut it anymore. Since creating my first creative thinking resources, I’ve been wondering how to switch more of my lessons up and take a more versatile and stretched-mindset approach… Let me explain how this method works and introduce you to some hexagonal thinking ELA resources.
Hexagonal thinking is a supercharged mental framework that gives us a whole new perspective, forcing us to tap into our creative problem-solving skills. So, how does it work?
This method is all about looking at things from multiple angles, just like a hexagon has six sides. It helps us understand complex systems and come up with creative solutions by recognizing how different elements are connected and impact each other. For students, it goes beyond sticking to one specific field and encourages them to combine ideas from different areas, which leads to innovative breakthroughs. Trying to align all sides in a way that makes sense also pushes them more flexible and adaptable, allowing students to anticipate challenges and handle changes with ease. This is why it lends itself so well to studying art, literature, and even social emotional skills as shown in these hexagonal thinking ELA resources.
I have put together a quick-print activity for students to consider artwork from a small collection of artists. The aim is for groups of kids to make connections between the pieces of art, perhaps based on content, color, texture or context. It’s yours for free, and you can download it here!
If you’d like a hexagonal thinking ELA pack with back to school activities, sheets for individual artists, set novels, or an editable template, check out my hexagonal thinking resources. I’ve also updated my 12 Free ELA Downloads – grab it now!