philosophy for children - Learning to think for yourself by learning to think together
We've been running our Philosophy programme as part of our curriculum since 2011/2012 and it has become an exciting tool to develop children's thinking in a systematic and challenging way. We were lucky enough to have initial training from Professor Lynne Hinton who is Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Education (at Brisbane University) and former Principal of Buranda State School in Brisbane and Amy Eberhardt, Philosophy Teacher Trainer.
The main premise of our philosophy programme is that we're aiming to teach children how to think and not what to think. When we are planning units of learning in philosophy we identify concepts that are:
We aim to discuss questions that:
The main premise of our philosophy programme is that we're aiming to teach children how to think and not what to think. When we are planning units of learning in philosophy we identify concepts that are:
- Common
- Central
- Contestable
We aim to discuss questions that:
- Cannot be (fully) addressed using empirical methods
- We have to settle for ourselves, as individuals and communities
There is often a follow-up reflection activity after the philosophical discussion. Here a child is comparing memories to his dog 'Tee.'
What is important for our community of Learners?
- Wonder
- Curiosity
- Respect
- Connections
- Feeling valued
In October 2014, we had a visit from the Minister for Education, Hekia Parata. Minister Parata was keen to take part in the philosophy session that was taking place in the Junior Classroom at the time:
