Philosophy for Children: Thinking Together, DVD

In a philosophy-for-children session, a teacher uses a story, picture, news item, or piece of music to stimulate critical thinking and imagination. Children are encouraged to express themselves, to challenge what is being said, and to ask questions that intrigue them. This program explores the concept and supporting methodology of P4C at Gallions Primary School in East London, where such sessions have had a strikingly positive impact on children’s intellectual, emotional, and social development. “It’s changed the way I teach, it’s changed the way the children are, it’s changed the way the school is run. I think we owe it to the children to run philosophical inquiry,” says Lisa Naylor, an advanced skills teacher at Gallions. (23 minutes)

Length: 23 minutes

ORDER CODE: BVL40403

ISBN: 9781616160395

Copyright date: ©2004

Closed Captioned


Contents

Emotional Literacy for Children (04:21)
Emotions play a big part in how humans think and make decisions. Fostering emotional literacy can improve academic performance, communication skills, and self-confidence. Children learn to think before they express themselves.

Fostering Self-Confidence in Children (01:47)
Children discuss their feelings about their experiences with philosophy. Children learn to express themselves, helping them develop self-esteem and confidence.

Classroom Session for Philosophy of Children (03:08)
A successful session in philosophy for children starts with something stimulating and challenging. Children have thinking time prior to asking their questions. Teachers are facilitators and managers.

Children Learn Communications Skills (03:42)
Children learn thinking skills, questioning skills, and the desire and willingness to listen to what others have to say. Children practice communication skills such as disagreeing with another person without invalidating his or her ideas.

Children Discuss Art (03:30)
In a philosophy class, young children speculate on an artist's motives after they view a bamboo sculpture. From this discussion emerges another about the nature of art.

Conclusion of Philosophy Class for Children (01:49)
Some children may not have participated in the philosophy class, but at the end of the session, each child gets an opportunity to make a comment.

Children's Evaluation of Philosophy Program (02:44)
The P4C class at Gallions Primary School builds thinking skills, encourages collaborative working and learning, and advances social and emotional development. Children share their opinions about the philosophy program at their school.