September 10 Introduction: What is philosophy for children?

Discuss "Cookies" in class

September 17 Using Children's Literature to Stimulate a Philosophic Discussion

Reading: Phillips, "A Sense of Wonder" (ER)
Kennett and Smith, "Frog and Toad Lose Control" (ER)
Steig, The Real Thief

Assignment: State one philosophic issue raised by The Real Thief. Formulate two open ended questions that you think you could use to discuss this issue with elementary school children.

In class: Discuss self-control and discussing philosophy with school children

September 24  Conducting a Philosophic Discussion with Children
Part 1: Questions and Children's Literature

Read: Matthews: "The Ring of Gyges"
Lobel, "Dragons and Giants" from Frog and Toad Together
Wise Owl Materials on "Dragons and Giants"

Assignment: Begin thinking about a children's story for which you would like to design discussion questions

In class: Group discussion of "Dragons and Giants"; begin small-groups

October 1  Books for Teaching Children Philosophy

Reading: Lipman, "Philosophy for Children" (ER)
Lipman, Harry Stottlemeier's Discovery
Reed and Johnson, "Philosophy for Children: An Introduction" (ER)

Assignment:  Take one chapter of Harry Stottlemeier and make up questions similar to the ones we look at last week. Post them to the discussion llist by Tuesday at noon. Each of you will critique the set developed by your partner.

In class: Watch video of Lipman; discuss question sets in small groups

October 8 Discussing Philosophy with Elementary School Children

Reading: Pritchard, "Philosophy for Children"

Assignment: Submit a proposed story for which you will develop discussion questions. The book must be suitable for elementary school children and raise a significant philosophical issue. In your proposal, explain what the philosophical issue is and why you think it is one that young children would like to discuss.

Teleconference with Matthew Lipman in Library 619 at 2:30

October 15 Writing Philosophic Stories for Children

Read: Matthews, Dialogues with Children

Assignment: Turn in the set of discussion questions you have written to use with your chosen book.

In class: Discussion of Lionni, Let's Make Rabbits

October 22 How to Conduct a Philosophic Discussion with Children
Part 2: The Community of Inquiry
Read: Kennedy, "The Community of Inquiry and ..." (ER)
Kennedy, "Philosophy for Children and the Reconstruction of Philosophy" (ER)

Assignment: Meet with Paula to discuss your question sets

October 29 How to Conduct a Philosophic Discussion with Children
Part 3: Games

Read: Matthews, Dialogues, "Knowledge" and "Games"
Shapiro, "Alternatives to Reading..." (ER)

Assignment: Turn in journals

In class: Gwen Agna, Principal of Jackson Street School (tentative)

November 5 In the school

November 12 In the school

November 19 In the school

December 3 In the school

Assignment: Meet with Paula to discuss two-page paper proposal due December 5
Journals also due December 5

December 10 In the schools

December 15 Reflective Essay Due