Critical thinking for children

Philosophy for Children is a well recognised programme in many parts of the world but has yet to be formally introduced in schools in Pakistan. Because it requires knowledge of philosophy and certification, for profit schools are the only ones who can afford to train teachers in it. However, there is a lack of interest not from parents but from schools in Pakistan. 

There are numerous websites on philosophy for children and what it is. Essentially the idea is to teach children sound reasoning skills such as argumentation, empathy through understanding different perspectives as well as allowing them to use creative reasoning. 

My aim is to teach children to be able to use Socratic Dialogue and think for themselves by using the tools taught to them. Philosophical concepts such as Plato’s cave and others are introduced through child friendly videos designed to encourage philosophical reasoning in children.

In my experience, the younger the child, the more enthusiastic they are about philosophical concepts. Children naturally tend to ask philosophical questions and if allowed to question and wonder, they develop the ability to think critically quickly. Many adults may find children’s questions silly when they are asking big questions such as “why was I born?” because as adults, we have often lost the sense of wonder and imagination that children have. 

I don’t expect children to read heavy philosophical texts. In fact, there are many excellent books on philosophy for children. There are also child friendly videos that introduce philosophical concepts to them.

Your child is growing up in the fourth industrial revolution where they will be competing with AIs. As AI rapidly advances, children will need to live in a world where they can not only work with AI but compete with it. One of the most essential human skills that you can invest in is critical thinking for children because that is not a skill AI has developed. In fact, it is considered the most important skill of this century.

Furthermore, your child will learn to argue effectively; use persuasive skills; learn how to reason and value other perspectives; develop empathy; and use creative reasoning.

It is important to note that children require more than one class to develop these skills since children learn through repetition. In a typical class, children start to learn skills discussed above in a fun and interactive manner. They are encouraged to do activities, draw their answers out if they feel comfortable doing so, and argue with each other politely. I usually assign creative and fun projects for children to show the skills they have learned by the end of their classes. I cater to the interest of the child and allow them to come up with various ideas and they often come up with ideas for projects themselves.

My teaching philosophy for children and everyone really is that learning is fun! Children enjoy learning. They learn through play and learning is something they enjoy if the subject interests them. I can guarantee any enthusiastic child will happily agree learning is fun in my classes.

Please see the general FAQs. I don’t have any spaces I host in but I would be happy to find a location to host a group or accommodate a school if they wish to have a philosophy for children club. Although individual classes for philosophy for children can be successful, they are not recommended because the children learn a lot from each other.

I have addressed this in the general FAQs. My charges vary. However, I will update my social media and newsletter with any information on workshops with set charges.