Philosophy with Children

What Happens During the Classes

In Philosophy with Children, a group work environment is created in which meaning is being made and exchanged. Philosophy is understood as philosophizing, and philosophizing as a free reflection of each and every reality, as well as the ways and procedures through which we create meanings and develop relationships as humans. In this way, Philosophy with Children helps the child’s overall development as a person. The focus is put on critical and creative thinking. The children participate through activities that are primary for them – they play, talk, sing, draw, paint, model, etc. The teachers act as facilitators for the group. They support the group discussion and the reflection on these activities. This creates a small, working community for investigations.

Expected Results

• use of basic research techniques – observation, description, storytelling, etc.;
• readiness to communicate by preserving the meaning of rewording of statements; listening comprehension, etc.;
• acquiring critical skills – use of criteria, finding and correcting mistakes, reasoning and judgment skills, sense of context, etc.;
• openness to communicating with friends and strangers – clarifying, convincing, openness to others’ opinions, reevaluation of one’s views, etc.;
• building self-confidence and self-esteem in the child’s behavior;
• a more prominent tolerance and respect for differences and otherness.