4 year-olds enjoy philosophy workshop

LEARNING philosophy sounds heavyweight and is traditionally associated with the end of lycée studies (terminale) in French schools. However ateliers philo (philosophy workshops) for young children are gaining ground throughout France, both at private clubs and, especially, in schools.

Primary or collège age children (some as young as four) are being encouraged to think about such topics as “can we feel other people’s suffering?”, “why are there rich and poor people?”, “why are some people racist?” or “why do we die?”

A workshop trainer for specialists AGSAS, Geneviève Chambard, said a common approach - pioneered by American Matthew Lipman - takes reading a story on a theme as the basis for a teacher-led debate. Others, including AGSAS’s sessions (intended to especially suit children with educational difficulties) start from a question, or just a word.

“In our case, the aim is not a debate but for each child to think about what the word we have chosen - freedom, wealth, hope... - inspires in them, and to discover they can think for themselves. There may be mini-debates between the children, but the teacher takes a step back.” She added that researchers say it is important to get children thinking philosophically as young as possible. However, unlike in lycée they do not study actual philosophers.

“All subjects interest them. You must not underestimate young children. Even at four or five they come out with astonishing thoughts.”

The workshops encourage tolerance, she added. “Sometimes the child is amazed and says ‘I was always told it’s like this and I thought it was the same for everyone, but I see now it’s different for others’.

“They realise ‘he has the right to think that, and I have the right to think differently’.”

There is an “enormous demand” for training, Ms Chambard said. If the classes are not done in your child’s school it is worth making the suggestion, she said.

For more information see: agsas.fr The association Citoyen de Demain also has practical information about workshops at: www.citoyendedemain.net/pratiques/latelier-philo