{"id":7379,"date":"2025-05-07T05:16:51","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T05:16:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/"},"modified":"2026-03-21T17:44:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T17:44:27","slug":"visual-thinking-routine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/","title":{"rendered":"Visual Thinking Routine: Benefits, Examples, Strategies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Visual thinking routine is a <strong>structured procedure of thinking visible and making a routine for enhancing thinking and learning skills<\/strong>. Visual thinking is a flexible and conceptual framework that enables students to think out of the box.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Visual thinking routine is an <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/inquiry-based-learning\/\"><strong>inquiry-based learning<\/strong><\/a> and <strong>helps in enhancing the <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/teaching-methods\/\"><strong>teaching methods<\/strong><\/a><strong> and learning process<\/strong>. This enables students to think in an effective way and enhances their rote <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/difference-between-skill-and-knowledge\/#What_Are_Skills\">skills.<\/a>\r\n\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Visual thinking is also known as visible thinking<\/strong>, which has <strong>three main practices such as thinking routines, the documentation of student thinking, and reflective professional practices.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visual thinking or visible thinking is <strong>not limited only to academics, but it also works in professional life<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visual thinking routine (VTR) helps students to <strong>enhance their <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/importance-of-communication-skills\/#What_are_Communication_Skills\"><strong>communication skills<\/strong>,<\/a>\r\n <strong>collaboration skills <\/strong>and<strong> enhances the <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/cognitive-development-of-children\/\"><strong>cognitive development of students<\/strong><\/a><strong>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Visual Thinking Routine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/What-is-Visual-Thinking-Routine.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10901\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Visual thinking routine is also known as visible thinking routine (VTR)<\/strong>. Visual thinking routine is a <strong>combination of steps that helps in making the complex thinking process accessible to every student.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This allows students to<strong> go beyond their limitations and achieve complex concepts in simpler ones.<\/strong> Visual thinking routine <strong>helps in developing <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/student-mental-health\/\"><strong>students&#8217; mental health<\/strong><\/a> and well-being, as well as <strong>assists in developing <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/creative-thinking-skills\/\"><strong>creative thinking skills<\/strong><\/a><strong>.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visible thinking strategies also help in <strong>encouraging open-ended questions and promote <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/inclusive-education\/\"><strong>inclusive learning<\/strong><\/a>. <strong>VTR was first developed by an initiative of Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1967, known as Project Zero<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to this research, they find that individuals think according to the <strong>approaches, observation, analysis and questioning.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of Visual Thinking Routine&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Benefits-of-Visual-Thinking-Routine.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10902\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Visual thinking routine or visible thinking routine, <strong>allows students to enhance their thinking process through visualisation and grasp difficult concepts into simpler ones<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This helps students <strong>develop collaboration skills, enhance knowledge retention, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/how-to-increase-memory-power-in-students\/\"><strong>boost memory power in students,<\/strong><\/a>\r\n and make ideas more accessible<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This<strong> helps in eliminating constant decision-making and provides a structured way of sharing <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/difference-between-education-and-knowledge\/#What_is_Knowledge\"><strong>knowledge<\/strong>.<\/a>\r\n Below, you can check the benefits of a visual thinking routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Promote Critical Thinking Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Promote-Critical-Thinking-Skills.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10903\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Visualisation aids students in comparing different solutions and analysing the contrasting ideas. <strong>Thinking skills rely totally on the process of implementing solutions<\/strong> to the problem rather than finding why the problem arises.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Comparing different ideas and analysing them to generate the most effective idea, which helps in enhancing <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/critical-thinking-skills\/\"><strong><strong>critical thinking skills<\/strong><\/strong><\/a>\r\n in students<\/strong><\/strong>. This enables students to think about the problems and<strong> develop effective solutions as per the concepts.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, there are various <a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/critical-thinking-activities-for-kids\/\"><strong>critical thinking activities for kids<\/strong><\/a> through which they can enhance their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/what-is-the-primary-purpose-of-developing-critical-thinking-skills\/#What_is_Critical_Thinking\">critical thinking<\/a> skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Enhance Collaboration Skills&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Enhance-Collaboration-Skills.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10905\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Effective visual thinking <strong>allows individuals to collaborate with others<\/strong>. Visual thinking routine <strong>helps students to build an inquiry-based discussion in the classrooms<\/strong>, which allows them to <strong>develop metacognitive skills<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>VTR also <strong>enables students to make decisions according to their thinking and <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/learning-methods\/\"><strong>learning methods<\/strong><\/a>, as well as aids in understanding others&#8217; thought processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Effective Time Management Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Effective-Time-Management-Skills.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10906\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Visual thinking routine <strong>allows students to enhance their <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/time-management-skills\/\"><strong>time management skills<\/strong><\/a>. Through VTR, students can understand how to <strong>justify any conclusion and understand the reasoning behind ideas<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This enables students to <strong>solve complex problems in a simpler way, and it saves them a lot of time<\/strong>. This initiative<strong> helps students to develop effective <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/importance-of-time-management-for-students\/#What_is_Time_Management\"><strong>time management<\/strong><\/a>\r\n<strong> skills<\/strong> as well as helps in building a proper <a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/study-routine\/\"><strong>study routine<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Boost Problem-Solving Skills&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Boost-Problem-Solving-Skills.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10907\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Visual thinking methods<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/how-to-improve-problem-solving-skills\/\">improve problem-solving skills<\/a> by assisting students through organising their thoughts<\/strong> and allows them to understand various viewpoints and form connections.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This a<strong>llows students to indulge in creative thinking skills<\/strong> and allows them to understand different perspectives of ideas. VTR also <strong>helps in promoting <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/dynamic-education\/\"><strong>dynamic education<\/strong><\/a> as well as developing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/holistic-education\/\"><strong>holistic education<\/strong><\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Enhance Memory Retention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Enhance-Memory-Retention.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10908\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A quick visualisation of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/memory-games-for-kids\/\">ideas helps in enhancing memory<\/a> retention<\/strong>. This enables brain mapping of ideas, which stimulates the thinking process and cognitive functions of the brain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is useful as it adds<strong> in making connections between ideas and thoughts<\/strong>. A visualisation of any ideas allows students to make complex contexts more memorable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Enhance Metacognition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Enhance-Metacognition.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10909\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Visual thinking routine helps in enhancing the metacognition of the brain<\/strong>. Through this, students become more aware of their thought processes and understand the complexity of the real situation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Understanding and analysing the concepts allows students<\/strong> to <strong>develop their learning skills.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Provides Personalised Learning&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Provides-Personalised-Learning.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10910\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Visual Thinking helps in making the <strong>understanding process more comparable as compared to non-visual thinkers<\/strong>. As visible thinking <strong>enables students to get easy access to <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/difference-between-knowledge-and-information\/#What_is_Informationnbsp\"><strong>information<\/strong>,<\/a>\r\n as makes them more engaged.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>This caters to more flexible opportunities and gives a <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/personalised-learning\/\"><strong>personalised learning<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong>to individuals without any hindrances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Improve Visual Thinking Routine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/How-to-Improve-Visual-Thinking-Routine.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10911\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Visual thinking routine is essential for students, it <strong>helps them understand the concepts more easily<\/strong>. This <strong>allows them to create ideas through visualisation and analysing the concepts <\/strong>of the thinking process and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/creative-mind-map-ideas-for-students\/#What_is_Mind_Mapping\">mind mapping.<\/a>\r\n\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is <strong>essential for students to improve their visual thinking routine through various activities<\/strong> and strategies. Here you can check the ways to improve the visual thinking routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Think Pair Share&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Think-Pair-Share.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10912\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Think pair share is an incredible strategy that can be used to enhance visual thinking skills in students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this method, <strong>students were divided into pairs and they were given a particular topic from which they had to create a conclusion together<\/strong> and have to share their outcomes. This teaches students to work in a team and gives them intellectual freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. See Think Wonder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/See-Think-Wonder.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10913\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>See Think Wonder is an <strong>incredible way of developing visual thinking skills through explorations of new ideas<\/strong>. In this method, <strong>students see, think and wonder about the exploration of ideas<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to this, <strong>students observe what they have learned and think according to the observation<\/strong> and wonder about the thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. What Make You Say That<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/What-Make-You-Say-That.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10914\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This one is another effective visual thinking routine activity that<strong> enables students to think according to someone&#8217;s way of talking<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the visible thinking routine,<strong> students are asked to support their ideas with facts they have learned from classroom instruction<\/strong>, personal experiences and current events and surroundings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This <strong>helps in developing stimuli and helps in making brain coordination and hence enhances <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/childrens-mental-health\/\"><strong>childrens mental health<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Colour Image Symbol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Colour-Image-Symbol.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10915\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Colour image symbol is an incredible <strong>art-based activity<\/strong> that <strong>helps in developing ideas and visual representations of analysing concepts<\/strong>. In colour image symbols, students read, watch, and draw their concepts to encompass a new idea.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this activity <strong>students can draw symbols, objects, build words, and complete images<\/strong> using their knowledge and creativity. <strong>This method aids in visual development<\/strong> and allows for the development of creative thinking skills.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Give 3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Give-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10917\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Give 3 is another incredible visual thinking routine that allows individuals to work on feedback. Through <strong>Give, 3 students were provided feedback that allows them to use their performance and weaknesses<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through feedback, students foster interactions and communication skills. <strong>Suggestions from teachers, parents, and even peers<\/strong> aids students to enhance their thinking skills and promotes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/collaborative-learning\/\"><strong>collaborative learning<\/strong><\/a>. This assists students in taking comments as a thinking visualisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Think Puzzle Share<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Think-Puzzle-Share.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10918\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Think puzzle Share is another interactive activity that <strong>enhances deeper thinking skills<\/strong> among students. Through this aspect, <strong>students under the concept through already existing knowledge shared by them<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the shared knowledge, they <strong>develop curiosity and generate new ideas after analysing the concepts <\/strong>and develop new learning opportunities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This <strong>visible thinking routine works for primary students as well as secondary students<\/strong>, as they have to understand complex concepts in history, geography, science, social studies, etc. Students can also learn about the various <a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/activities-to-encourage-curiosity-in-children\/\"><strong>ways to encourage curiosity in childrens<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Examples of Visual Thinking Routine&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Examples-of-Visual-Thinking-Routine.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10919\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Visual thinking routine (VTR) is an incredible way to enhance <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/difference-between-learning-objectives-and-learning-outcomes\/#What_are_Learning_Outcomes\">learning outcomes.<\/a>\r\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> It <strong>aids in generating new ideas and analysing concepts<\/strong> in order to build integrated projects more efficiently.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are various examples of visual thinking routines that <strong>enable students to effectively understand the thinking process<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Mind Map<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Mind-Map.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10920\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/creative-mind-map-ideas-for-students\/\">Mind Map<\/a> is a strategy of preparing visual diagrams in the mind for effective visualisation. <strong>Mind Mapping allows students to memorise things by visual representation, such as pictures, catalogues, visuals, graphics, charts, etc.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This <strong>makes concepts easy for students to memorise and develops ideas for new topics<\/strong>. This enables kids to contextualise knowledge through simple approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Venn Diagrams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Venn-Diagrams.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10921\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Venn diagrams are a process <strong>evaluation of two or multiple objects<\/strong> in order to <strong>find the similarities and develop new learning ideas<\/strong>. It shows the <strong>logical representation of between two objects.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This <strong>allows kids to compare two things and develop new ideas out of the existing ones<\/strong>. Venn diagrams are widely used in Maths, data, Illustrations and graphs. Venn diagrams assist students in <strong>enhancing their cognitive skills and promoting <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/self-directed-learning\/\"><strong>self-directed learning.<\/strong><\/a>\r\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Peel the Fruit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Peel-the-Fruit.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10923\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Peel the fruit is an incredible way to enhance visual memory<\/strong>. Peel the fruit is a thinking strategy that <strong>allows students to explore the concept, idea, or text through deeper learning<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to this student has to <strong>peel back the layers of the context and gain a deeper understanding of the material<\/strong>. This allows them to draw new conclusions from he existing and analyse the contexts more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Six Thinking Hats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/Six-Thinking-Hats.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10924\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Six thinking hats is an effective example of a visual routine. In them method, <strong>students look at things from different points of view<\/strong>, that is, from 6 axes. <strong>Six thinking hats is a simple and effective thinking process that enhances <a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/problem-solving\/\">problem-solving<\/a> abilities<\/strong> in students.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This <strong>allows students to become more productive and <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/how-to-improve-concentration-in-kids\/\"><strong>enhance their concentration<\/strong><\/a>\r\n<strong> level<\/strong>. This allows them to <strong>develop a correlation between facts and logic <\/strong>as well as helps in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/achieving-flow-in-education\/\"><strong>achieving flow in education<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. KWHL<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/05\/KWHL.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10925\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>KWHL stands for Know, What, How and Learn<\/strong>. KWHL allows students to organise their <strong>thinking before and after the final planning<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>KWHL <strong>aids students in exploring the research process and finding concepts for specific requirements<\/strong> for enhancing projects, and <strong>allows individuals to create new perspectives according to the approaches<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Visual Thinking Routines (VTR) are an effective way to <strong>help <a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/how-to-develop-critical-thinking-skills-in-students\/\">students develop their critical thinking<\/a> collaborative and cognitive abilities<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By transforming complex concepts into easily understood visual representations VTR enables people to <strong>understand the material more thoroughly and solve problems<\/strong> in novel ways.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Structured methods like See, Think, Wonder and Mind Mapping not only e<strong>ncourage participation but also accommodate different learning preferences<\/strong> making education more inclusive and individualized.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus in addition to <strong>improving academic achievement VTR gives students the tools they need for their careers <\/strong>which in turn promotes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/in\/blog\/lifelong-learning\/\">lifelong learning<\/a> and mental health.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Visual thinking routine is a structured procedure of thinking visible and making a routine for enhancing thinking and learning skills&#8230;. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/\" class=\"read-more\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":7420,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7379","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-skills"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Is a Visual Thinking Routine? Benefits and Examples<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Visual Thinking Routines (VTR) help students develop their critical thinking, collaborative, cognitive abilities and creative thinking skills.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is a Visual Thinking Routine? Benefits and Examples\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Visual Thinking Routines (VTR) help students develop their critical thinking, collaborative, cognitive abilities and creative thinking skills.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"21K School Ethiopia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/21Kschool\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-05-07T05:16:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-21T17:44:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/05\/Visual-Thinking-Routine-Benefits-Examples-Strategies.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Rahul Pal\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@21kschool\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@21kschool\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Rahul Pal\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Rahul Pal\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#\/schema\/person\/bd293d4b4ff99b1161af41abb09ad147\"},\"headline\":\"Visual Thinking Routine: Benefits, Examples, Strategies\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-05-07T05:16:51+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-21T17:44:27+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/\"},\"wordCount\":1851,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/05\/Visual-Thinking-Routine-Benefits-Examples-Strategies.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Skills\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-ET\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/\",\"name\":\"What Is a Visual Thinking Routine? Benefits and Examples\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/05\/Visual-Thinking-Routine-Benefits-Examples-Strategies.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-05-07T05:16:51+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-21T17:44:27+00:00\",\"description\":\"Visual Thinking Routines (VTR) help students develop their critical thinking, collaborative, cognitive abilities and creative thinking skills.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-ET\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-ET\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/05\/Visual-Thinking-Routine-Benefits-Examples-Strategies.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/05\/Visual-Thinking-Routine-Benefits-Examples-Strategies.png\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":500},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Visual Thinking Routine: Benefits, Examples, Strategies\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/\",\"name\":\"21K School\",\"description\":\"Where Every Learner Finds their Path\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-ET\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#organization\",\"name\":\"21K School\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-ET\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/11\/21kschool-new-logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/11\/21kschool-new-logo.png\",\"width\":300,\"height\":93,\"caption\":\"21K School\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/21Kschool\/\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/21kschool\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/21kschool\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/21kschool\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCPhYXA-sgPSFInHXhf8J3pw\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#\/schema\/person\/bd293d4b4ff99b1161af41abb09ad147\",\"name\":\"Rahul Pal\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-ET\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3eb4e9515302aabfd9b91fac6c449ac9?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3eb4e9515302aabfd9b91fac6c449ac9?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Rahul Pal\"},\"description\":\"Rahul is an SEO content writer intern at 21K school, with over 1 year of experience in the field of content writing. At 21K school, he is involved in writing articles and blogs, editing, and research. Rahul has completed his graduation from Swami Vivekananda University in Journalism and Mass Communication.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rahul-pal-083581273\/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/author\/rahul-pal\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What Is a Visual Thinking Routine? Benefits and Examples","description":"Visual Thinking Routines (VTR) help students develop their critical thinking, collaborative, cognitive abilities and creative thinking skills.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What Is a Visual Thinking Routine? Benefits and Examples","og_description":"Visual Thinking Routines (VTR) help students develop their critical thinking, collaborative, cognitive abilities and creative thinking skills.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/","og_site_name":"21K School Ethiopia","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/21Kschool\/","article_published_time":"2025-05-07T05:16:51+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-03-21T17:44:27+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1000,"height":500,"url":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/05\/Visual-Thinking-Routine-Benefits-Examples-Strategies.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Rahul Pal","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@21kschool","twitter_site":"@21kschool","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Rahul Pal","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/"},"author":{"name":"Rahul Pal","@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#\/schema\/person\/bd293d4b4ff99b1161af41abb09ad147"},"headline":"Visual Thinking Routine: Benefits, Examples, Strategies","datePublished":"2025-05-07T05:16:51+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-21T17:44:27+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/"},"wordCount":1851,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/05\/Visual-Thinking-Routine-Benefits-Examples-Strategies.png","articleSection":["Skills"],"inLanguage":"en-ET","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/","url":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/","name":"What Is a Visual Thinking Routine? Benefits and Examples","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/05\/Visual-Thinking-Routine-Benefits-Examples-Strategies.png","datePublished":"2025-05-07T05:16:51+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-21T17:44:27+00:00","description":"Visual Thinking Routines (VTR) help students develop their critical thinking, collaborative, cognitive abilities and creative thinking skills.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-ET","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-ET","@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/05\/Visual-Thinking-Routine-Benefits-Examples-Strategies.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2025\/05\/Visual-Thinking-Routine-Benefits-Examples-Strategies.png","width":1000,"height":500},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/blog\/visual-thinking-routine\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Visual Thinking Routine: Benefits, Examples, Strategies"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/","name":"21K School","description":"Where Every Learner Finds their Path","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-ET"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#organization","name":"21K School","url":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-ET","@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/11\/21kschool-new-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/38\/2024\/11\/21kschool-new-logo.png","width":300,"height":93,"caption":"21K School"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/21Kschool\/","https:\/\/x.com\/21kschool","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/21kschool\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/21kschool\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCPhYXA-sgPSFInHXhf8J3pw"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#\/schema\/person\/bd293d4b4ff99b1161af41abb09ad147","name":"Rahul Pal","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-ET","@id":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3eb4e9515302aabfd9b91fac6c449ac9?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3eb4e9515302aabfd9b91fac6c449ac9?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Rahul Pal"},"description":"Rahul is an SEO content writer intern at 21K school, with over 1 year of experience in the field of content writing. At 21K school, he is involved in writing articles and blogs, editing, and research. Rahul has completed his graduation from Swami Vivekananda University in Journalism and Mass Communication.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rahul-pal-083581273\/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app"],"url":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/author\/rahul-pal\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7379","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7379"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7379\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14500,"href":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7379\/revisions\/14500"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7420"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7379"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7379"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.21kschool.com\/et\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7379"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}