Reading Reflection on Philosophy and Children

In the NY Times there is a fascinating article about Professor Matthew Lipman who has spent the majority of his career teaching philosophy to children and educating teachers on how to do so. He has created a curriculum used by Professor Wartenberg using popular children's picture books, such as Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree (viewable below link for article) to encourage children to think philosophically, question their thoughts, and respect the conclusions of others.

In The Giving Tree, the tree gives its whole self to the boy throughout the course of his life, giving him what he needs at each particular stage; apples to sell for a teenage boy, branches to build a house for a young man boy. In the end, the tree is nothing but a stump still trying to please the boy, now an old man, but having nothing left to give having been stripped of everything of value.

Especially in today's eco-conscious society this particular book brings up many questions and feelings that young children may be unsure of. In the classroom they observed the children, having had 5 previous classes in philosophy, knew how to have a discussion. They questioned the value of a tree, was it wrong to take everything, and took a stance on their points of view. Then following their point of view they argued the value of nature, the value of friendship, and came to conclusions by hearing their fellow students opposing viewpoints, listening respectfully.

These are really significant skills for children to learn, not only in school, but for life. To be able to debate your point of view, respectfully, with knowledge and articulation is skill few people aside from politicians, seem to have. The ability to recognize one's beliefs and follow through in one's defense of them, whether right or wrong, is something that will take children far in life. Whether it be talking their parents into why they deserve a cell phone or making a presentation in school, being able to speaks one's opinions clearly and in defense of one's own opinion is priceless.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/education/edlife/18philosophy-t.html?pagewanted=1&ref=general&src=me

http://dilayllah.wordpress.com/2007/11/18/the-giving-tree-story/