Philosophy for Children
From a young age, children ask philosophical questions. What does it mean to be a good friend? What is death? Is it ever OK to lie?
These are open-ended questions that explore some of the most meaningful aspects of human life, yet in the United States they are rarely given a formal space for serious discussion and reflection in K-8 classrooms. Philosophy may seem impractical, a discipline for university professors, or at least inappropriate for children. But a wide body of research has shown the benefits of doing philosophy with children. There is now an international movement of philosophers and educators seeking to introduce philosophical practice into children’s lives. The results are promising.
Some of the most robust and long-standing programs for philosophy for children include:
What is it like?
A common practice is to guide the group of children to generate their questions, discuss their own answers, and to critically reflect on what a good answer to their own questions might be like. Rather than learning a set of known facts, or dictated techniques, children are empowered to set the terms of their discussion together. Rather than teaching children what to think, philosophy for children focuses on helping children think about thinking itself.
See it in action:
Looking for a Book?
Whether you’re a teacher looking to bring philosophical discussions into your classroom, or a parent eager to introduce your child to some fundamental questions, there are so many wonderful children’s books out there. Here are some classics:
What makes art beautiful?
What is Friendship?
Do you see it
like I do?
What is war, and is it ever justified?
Do we have moral obligations,even to those who wish us harm?
What makes a true princess?
How should we relate to nature?
Santa Cruz, California
These are the schools we’ve worked with in our own area:
Westlake Elementary School
Monarch
Brook Knoll School
Gateway School
Holy Cross School
Shoreline Middle School
Write to Us
Have you ever happened to hear your elementary-aged child discussing a philosophical question with a friend? If so, we’d love to hear about it.
Resources
- The Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization (PLATO) is the nexus of philosophy for children in the United States. Their website is a good place to start for those interested in doing philosophy with kids.
- If you are interested in any aspect of doing philosophy with children, your own or others, we welcome your input and energy. Please get in touch with us!