Today is the day of philosophy, yes it is also the day of television, and we want to ask you and also answer a question, is a child ready to have a relationship with philosophy? And vice versa, What do children have to contribute to the world of philosophy? Either way, the important thing is that this access is done in an entertaining way, playing, or through stories.
The important thing is that philosophy and thought in general is a vehicle to meet and discuss. And it is about the children knowing. Following Pythagoras: educate children and it will not be necessary to punish men.
What is philosophy for in childhood
The answer is straightforward: for there to be a better society in the future, and a more livable planet. There is nothing! It is very important that children learn to live and coexist, and philosophy is the tool that helps children to have these skills. And get rid of the idea that philosophy is considered a very abstract subject and too complicated for children.
Thinking at the same time as boys and girls, observing them so that we adults realize how they realize their own thought . Through questions we will be motivating to reason and recognize their answers. This does not have to be a sensible exercise, but a fun one. Reverse the game of why? And plant it with your son or daughter. We put you a example: Mom, what is the point of living if we are all going to die, to which you can answer with why do you think? It is essential that you adopt a neutral position and allow them to express themselves freely.
In the classroom, and at home, when talking, chatting, thinking develops appear values like respect, or listen to it. Both questions are learned thanks to philosophy.
From what age does this approach come
All ages they are good for philosophizing. But it is essential that children understand through a language understandable to them what philosophy is. In bookstores and the Internet you will find philosophical stories for children from 10 years old, that raises questions for them to debate, teaches them to be critical. The way or the strategies they follow to answer these questions will make them more creative people.
For children it is very stimulating approaches that are not usually in the subjects, how to be able to talk about death, friendship, commitment, lies, the truth ... makes them protagonists and committed to their personality.
Some games and proposals to philosophize
We suggest you get to the thought of Erich Fromm, and his concept of freedom by giving him a return to the story of Little Red Riding Hood, if you turn the wolf into a victim instead of the aggressor. So you can ask your child why we have not known the version of the wolf before and instead, the version of Little Red Riding Hood? How is truth built?
Dixit is another very entertaining game, which is recommended from the age of eight. In it there are two decks of cards, one with phrases, which can be philosophical or not. And in the other deck, which is turned upside down and all can be seen, there are very suggestive images. It depends on how we want to use it and the age of the kids, the idea is to put together the phrase that has come out with an image and that each one, or by teams, explains the reason for their selection. The skills that are developed are imagination and alternative thinking or relational thinking.
En Imagine, from the age of 10, you have to form an enigma and a clue, so you have to imagine. The cards are transparent with drawn icons and you have to combine them so that the boys and girls come to the solution. This is a game option, but it can also be done in teams. It's perfect for practicing problem solving, helping, contextualizing, and building relationships.