Children's Philosophy
Using children's books is an excellent way to introduce your students to the world of philosophy.
By Daniella Garran
Most adults will agree that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to children’s books. Many are imbued with important morals and values that are made accessible for children when imparted by Dr. Seuss characters and rhyming prose.
For students learning about philosophy for the first time, it is often a challenge to help them access such complex content. After initially introducing them to the idea of philosophy, and why some ancient cultures, like the Greeks, and the Chinese, turned to it, students should turn to their favorite children’s books to gain a deeper understanding.
An excellent way to introduce the concept of philosophy to students is to have them bring in their favorite children's books and to re-read them while keeping an eye out for deeper issues. For example, you can read Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are" aloud to the class. Then ask students questions about what they believe to be true about Max's reality. Pose the age-old question to the class: Is seeing really believing? If so, does Max really believe that a forest grew in his room?
For those seeking to understand altruism, Shel Silverstein’s "The Giving Tree" is an excellent choice. Leo Lionni’s "Frederick" addresses the notion of the different roles that people play in society. In short, philosophical questions such as “What is the meaning of life?”, “What makes a good leader?” and “Are there good and bad people or only good people who make bad choices?” are among the questions that can be answered simply by turning to children’s books.
There are many ways you can help students to understand philosophical topics. Hosting a debate will not only give students public speaking experience and introduce them to formal debating procedures, it will also require them to employ logic and analytical thought when trying to anticipate any potential faults or weaknesses in their arguments. Virtually any philosophical question can be debated. Teachers can choose to focus on specific philosophers’ ideas, or they can opt to allow students to reference any and all philosophies that will help them support their side of the debate.
An excellent way to assess students’ understanding of the philosophers they are studying (regardless of whether they are eastern or western, ancient or modern), is to have students write their own children’s book addressing a particular philosophical question, or relating a specific philosophy. This also provides an opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration with colleagues who teach visual arts and language arts. Below are five lesson plans that will help expose your students to the world of philosophy.
Philosophy Lesson Plans:
Philosophy students at Mt. Holyoke College worked with local school children to explore potential answers to philosophical questions. There is a video you can show your students. It shows childrens' capacity for deep, intellectual thought and is fascinating for educators and students alike to watch. This lesson also offers a number of resources which are not only fun for middle and high school students who enjoy re-reading their favorite books from childhood but which also provide a helpful way for teachers to introduce philosophy to students.
This lesson introduces students to the multitude of philosophical ideas that characterized the Age of Enlightenment and ultimately influenced the American Revolution and America’s founding documents such as the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. The lesson also addresses the role that science plays in philosophy.
Science and Natural Philosophy Before the 17th Century
Students are introduced to Plato, Socrates and Aristotle among others including Epicurius and Pythagoras in this lesson which explores different philosophical ideas and methods as well as their connection to and dependence on science.
For students learning about Asian history or for those interested in comparing and contrasting eastern and western philosophies, this unit offers a basic introduction to Confuscianism, Taoism and Buddhism by looking at everyday situations that students might encounter and offering responses and solutions from these three philosophical perspectives.
Once students have a solid understanding of the philosophers and their perspectives, staging a debate or asking students to write a thesis-driven essay will allow teachers to assess their understanding. For those who truly embrace the notion of philosophy, teachers may choose to direct students to the Kids’ Philosophy Slam, a national contest which has a different theme annually (http://www.philosophyslam.org/index.html ).