Introduction

**Why did thinker keys come about?**
As we develop into a technological society, thinking is a process which could be taken for granted. The thinker keys designed by Tony Ryan were designed using information from the book ‘the thinkers tool box’ by, Thornburg and Thornburg, 1989. Tony Ryan describes the concept of teaching about thinking as nothing new (Ryan, 1990). So that children are able to gain the knowledge required for life after school we cannot cause rapid change to the curriculum that already exists. Ryan claims we need to "integrate creative activities into our present structures, and provide children with strong coping mechanisms for their uncertain future" (Ryan, 1990). This is where using Thinker Keys to enhance children's learning gives children the opportunity to participate in creative thinking and to further their learning.

**What is the purpose?**
The purpose of thinker keys introduced by Tony Ryan in the 1980s, is to instill higher order thinking among children. In order to think critically and creatively about things, there is a need for children to have the tools to do so. Tony Ryan’s 20 thinker keys enable children to use creative thinking.” Creative thinking can be exciting and enjoyable. This active participation can then create a positive attitude towards the learning process. ”When children are engaged in creative thinking there are no constrictions of what they can do" (Ryan, 1990). In this process the children are stimulated and therefore they are emotionally linked to the learning. Also when children are participating in creative thinking they are thinking in a way that is continuous not stagnant. This allows children to be actively involved in the learning and they can see the results and changes of their thinking emerge. With rapid growth in technology, children need to be aware of change and to be able to cope with change as this is a major part of everyday life. When they have dealt with this issue, they will then be able to embrace change and use this for the better, . Exploring this alongside the use of the thinker keys, in a safe environment like a school, children are able to feel comfortable in doing so.

**What are the thinker keys?**

 * 1) The reverse listing key.
 * 2) The what if key.
 * 3) The disadvantages key.
 * 4) The combination key.
 * 5) The BAR key.
 * 6) The alphabet key.
 * 7) The variations key.
 * 8) The picture key.
 * 9) The prediction key.
 * 10) The different uses key.
 * 11) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The ridiculous key.
 * 12) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The commonality key.
 * 13) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The question key.
 * 14) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The brainstorming key.
 * 15) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The inventions key.
 * 16) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The brick wall key.
 * 17) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The constructions key.
 * 18) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The forced relationships key.
 * 19) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The alternative key.
 * 20) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The interpretation key.