Idea: Philosophizing is easy for preschoolers
Philosophizing with preschoolers contributes to their language development. Fabien van der Ham guides philosophical conversations with very young children. "Dare to ask crazy questions."
Image: Jan Anninga
“My youngest son started asking philosophical questions at the age of three,” says Fabien van der Ham, philosopher and author of children's books. “The first thing I remember is: when heaven is full, will you come back to earth? I was perplexed."
Since her first book in 2005, Van der Ham has been providing guest lessons at primary schools. It goes without saying that she discussed the content with the children. There is a philosophical subject in every story, a theme that you can think about. ”
Her thirteenth book 'A goldfish in the sea' was recently published. A picture book about Baroe, a boy who is a champion in asking questions such as: "Why can't you -when you grow up- choose whether you are a boy or a girl?", "Was the big bang alone?" and "Can you be happy with nothing?" Friends, classmates and family think along with Baroe. Their thoughts invite you to think along.
Freedom
Philosophizing is about essential questions that you can keep thinking about. What does friendship mean? What is Freedom? A topical theme, especially in corona time. Our freedom is now limited, but what does that mean?
Philosophizing is about essential questions that you can keep thinking about
Do preschoolers find philosophizing difficult? “Not exactly,” says Van der Ham. “Toddlers find not knowing normal. They are relaxed about it, especially compared to adults who are often stuck in their own beliefs. In that sense, toddlers are better philosophers than adults. When you put knowledge on a pedestal, it gets in the way of thinking. ” Children in the senior years can also find this difficult. “They are used to coming up with an answer. Then it can be confusing if it suddenly isn't about that. A philosophical conversation is not about taking positions, but about exchanging ideas, seeing everything as a possibility, it is a kind of playing with your thoughts. ”
Good friend
Besides fun, it is also useful. “Children learn to formulate their opinion. And reason ”, says Van der Ham. “Explain how you arrive at a position. Why do you think someone is a good friend? Why do you feel freer outside than inside? ” Philosophy lessons also contribute to vocabulary, moral development and conversation and thinking skills. "There is an awful lot in a philosophy lesson that you can work on with half an hour a week."
A philosophy lesson starts with a thought stimulus. For example, by reading a story, such as the prize-winning picture book 'Coco can do it' about a bird that has to learn to fly, but does not dare. "The theme on which you can philosophize then, for example, is learning." The challenge for the teacher is mainly to adopt a neutral attitude and ask exploratory questions. That takes some getting used to if you are used to questions aimed at checking knowledge, skills and desired behavior. Could you learn to fly? Can a bear learn to fly? Can a bird learn bear stuff? And then more depth: Can you learn everything? Can't you learn anything either? Can you refuse to learn anything? Can anyone learn something?
With the best of intentions, as adults, we often tend to impose values on the children
Loneliness
The condition is that you choose subjects where you can remain neutral. A topic such as bullying is therefore not suitable. Loneliness is possible. Also dare to ask crazy questions, such as: which vegetable is the most lonely and why? “The answers will surprise you,” says Van der Ham. Or a story about the rules. The philosophy teacher mentions a story entitled 'Tim on the tiles' about a boy who was allowed to play outside by his father if he stayed 'on the tiles': on the sidewalk. What is happening? He is sitting on a pile of tiles that is being transported to the harbor by workers. The central question may be: Do you always have to obey the rules?
“The teacher works from a Socratic mindset. All I know is I don't know anything. That sounds easier than it is. With the best of intentions, we as adults are often inclined to impose values on the children. ”
Being able to give space to other ideas requires that you temporarily park your own truths. “And that you don't give suggestions too quickly. Then you are involved in steering. If necessary, help yourself in your role by using a thinking hat, cape or jacket so that the children know: Now the teacher does philosophy and she doesn't know."
Some teachers use a hand puppet that plays the 'ignorant'. Van der Ham himself likes to work with a papier-mâché alien. "That alien of course does not understand anything about our world. Most preschoolers are very happy to explain to him about time and friendship. ”
Knowing more? Go to: filosovaard.nl
