Can philosophy really be for children? Well, we say why not! From Plato to Aristotle to Confucius, all of the greatest philosophers in history must have started out as children with huge imaginations and burning questions. We believe that our children are no different. They all have naturally inquiring minds, and it’s our job to nurture this and help them bring out their best in a safe, non-judgemental environment. This is exactly what Philosophy For Children is. Read on to find out how we utilise this at The Ridge.
Allowing Beautiful Minds To Blossom
Philosophy For Children (P4C) is a learning concept that encourages the development of reasonableness, practical wisdom and good judgement in young learners. It develops clarity of language, open-mindedness, and articulate expression. In addition, it addresses central human concerns such as fairness, responsibility and truth. P4C can be used in all phases of formal education; however, The Ridge School currently employs it in Grade 4. Boys in this grade are enriched with the four C's of P4C thinking: critical, creative, caring and collaborative thinking.
Practical Applications Of P4C In The Classroom
The Ridge brings practical applications of P4C into the classroom by teaching children to think more deeply and philosophically through various activities based on questioning, collaborative inquiry and dialogue.
Boys love our 'Community of Enquiry' activity which uses picture books, music, images, etc. to stimulate a discussion. The group votes for the theme for discussion, and the teacher facilitates this discussion. Topics can include anything from kindness to animals, pollution, global warming, or health and safety. Discussions are encouraged through encouraging open-ended questions.
The beautiful thing about P4C at The Ridge School is that it’s a child-centred approach and is non-judging. It’s democracy in action in the classroom, providing boys with valuable life lessons for navigating a socially complicated world.
Our parents have also warmed to the idea of P4C as it prepares children to deal with various situations and helps them confront fears, confusion or misconceptions they may have about the world around them. They feel able to deal with conflict by being able to reason, and it provides a means to explore and link the conceptual foundations and assumptions of various subjects.
Children feel equipped and skilled to go into any subject area with confidence. It improves speaking/communication, listening, tolerance and social skills and helps children become more receptive individuals. In addition, it develops a good self-image and a sense of awareness about the world we share and encourages reflection and depth of thought, both intellectually and emotionally.
At The Ridge School, all children are given a voice, so let your child come alive with our Philosophy For Children program. Call The Ridge School in Westcliffe, Johannesburg at 011 481 5800 for more information.