This question about whether Philosophy is a good children's subject may surprise you. We know that at the moment Philosophy is a high school subject, but What about elementary school? Should the little ones have Philosophy?
At present there are quite a few didactic material and different experiences, on how to introduce Philosophy in Primary, and its benefits. Fortunately, there are many professionals who are doing it even if they are not covered by the subject label.
Philosophy as a children's subject
All boys and girls have right to enjoy philosophy from the first years of schooling, not just those who attend private school. In private school, more and more, philosophy is introduced as a subject in Infant and Primary.
Philosophical teaching and abstract thinking should be introduced from the first educational courses, regardless of specific political decisions or economic items. For it the personal initiative and goodwill of the teaching staff is important. But, families also have an important role, as applicants of this subject in public centers, and at the same time as promoters of this thought in homes.
In order for critical thinking to awaken in secondary school students (where there is, at least for the moment, the Philosophy subject) it is essential to have promoted it from Infantile. One of the bedside books that many educators follow is The Practice of Philosophy in Elementary School, by Oscar Brenifier, suitable as a resource to stimulate children from 3 years of age. In this book, different philosophical pedagogical techniques are analyzed, many examples are given, and workshops are proposed.
Example of experience on the subject of Philosophy
The introduction of Philosophy in Primary classrooms almost always comes at the initiative of a teacher who bets on the idea. At the Saint Mary's School, in Seville, they have followed for the matter, as a base the materials developed by Matthew Lipman. It is a educational proposal for boys and girls between 3 and 12 years old, divided into 38 modules.
To talk about philosophy for children it is essential to have an open mind to the innocence and uniqueness with which children interpret reality. The students are offered resources so that they can ask themselves about their surroundings. I know encourages their critical attitude and tolerance towards diversity of opinions.
La methodology that is followed is playful, participatory. Every day, the "subject" begins with a relaxation exercise, the presentation of the topic to be discussed is carried out, with different resources such as songs, drawings, stories, sayings. And then we move on to reflection, expression, in which the teacher is a pure transmitter. Classes end with a conclusion, a phrase, drawing or gesture.
Ellen Duthie, Specialist in the Practice of Philosophy for Children
Most experiences to work on philosophy for children, in Spain, are based on the North American author Matthew Lipman, however we also recommend books on Ellen Duthie, creator of Wonder Power, Philosophy to the Three and Philosophy of Story.
The author defends that it is important introduce philosophy in school, from a very early age, because philosophy is the basis of curiosity, it puts order and gives rigor to curiosity. It is essential as a springboard to other subjects. For her, from the moment the child begins to speak, it is possible to work with them, fostering the habit of listening, stopping to think. At the time when children ask why, it is essential to care and worry, and the opposite happens so often!
This author has created a series of game-books, which come in a box, with loose pages to be able to shuffle them randomly or order them according to the criteria that children want. Each page invites you to explore and reflect on a great philosophical topic. This tool has become one of the most useful when giving the "philosophy course".