The idea of Philosophy for Children is deeply embedded in the BEPS curriculum and pedagogy. Since we want children to think deeply and to seek meaning, a language-based philosophical approach to learning underpins our teaching in all curriculum areas. It can be summed up in the phrase "What makes you say that?" which is an invitation to inquiry, reason and justification. We want to open kids' minds to big ideas.
Sometimes we run "philosophy lessons" but the philosophic approach neither starts nor ends there. This year we've begun to use "Thinking Routines" which are designed to help students make their thinking visible, and which originated at Harvard University's Project Zero.
We've put some links at the foot of this report, and the VAPS website includes a number of quotes such as this one:
'Don't use compulsion,' I said to him, 'but let your children's lessons take the form of play. You will learn more about their natural abilities that way.' - Plato
Back in March, as a school known for its Philosophy Program, we were approached by the National Gallery of Victoria to participate in the 2012 "Primary Schools Philosophon".
We began by asking students to register their interest, gathering nearly 30 highly motivated entrants. Julie then worked with this group weekly, fine tuning their skills and helping them voice themselves confidently. As the NGV limited the team size to 10 children, we had to select the final group based on philosophic and communication criteria. Finally the big day arrived and Julie took the group into town by tram, accompanied by two proud parents.
A short version of her report follows:
On
Friday 22nd June, some dedicated 4/5/6 students represented our school at the National Gallery of
Victoria. Only five Primary Schools were invited to participate in this event,
so it was an honour to be included. Eleven children were
involved; Grace, Heide, Nina, Ella, Lewis, Jacob, Harry, Cesca, Alycia, Kiana
and Gwendolen. All of us were filled with a mixture of excitement and nervous
anticipation, including the two parents who came with us, on our journey by
tram into the city.
The students participated in 3 x 30 minutes sessions, talking about a piece of Art work in the Gallery. A facilitator challenged the students in their thinking and
observers watched and took notes. The parents and myself moved between the
groups. We were so impressed with all of them and they were truly great
ambassadors for our school, confidently expressing their views in the discussions. At the conclusion of each sessions the
facilitator gave feedback about what they had witnessed and often individual BEPS students were mentioned. When we met together for lunch
everyone was buzzing with a sense of pride and excitement.
At the conclusion of the last session all participants
met in a lecture room and a summary of each session and the paintings that were
discussed was shared with everyone. Each of the participants received a
medallion and posed for a picture in front of the statue of ‘The Thinker.’
It was such an exciting day and one that all the
students agreed we should participate in again next year. It was wonderful for
the students to have had the opportunity to demonstrate the great thinking.
They were so proud of themselves.
An interesting footnote is that Heide was selected as an "emergency" but once at the NGV participated as a team member for another school (who were one member short)!
Thanks to Simone Litchfield for the photographs.
More information:
The Victorian Association for Philosophy in Schools
Visible Thinking Routines
VELS Thinking Domain
