Think about the hats that you might own or wear. Do you have a baseball cap for your favorite team? A wool winter beanie to keep you warm in the cold? A straw hat to protect you from the sun?
The number and types of hats in the world are endless! People have been using hats and head coverings to protect themselves from weather since before anyone can remember. Hats are also used for fashion (they help to draw attention to the face), for safety (like helmets and hard-hats), or for cultural reasons. Sometimes a hat helps us recognize someone, like a sheriff’s hat or a chef’s hat, which helps to signify what job that person has.
Let’s name some different hats: Newsboy caps, cowboy hats, firefighter hats, conductor’s hats, Sherpa hats, top hats, beekeeper hats, bowler hats, berets, bonnets, fedoras, sombreros, striped hats, polka-dotted hats, fleece hats, cotton hats, knitted hats, brimmed hats, and more! Even hoods, turbans, crowns, visors, and veils are types of hats! So the next time you put on a hat as you leave the house, remember to wear it with pride!!
Exploration!
Have you ever worn a hat as part of a costume? Because they help us to recognize people, certain kinds of hats can be really great costume pieces! Think, for example, about the difference between the hat you’d wear to dress up as a police officer versus the hat you’d wear to dress up as a football player!
Why do you think different hats are helpful to people with different professions?
