© UNESCO

On Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 November 2012, UNESCO will host demonstration lessons of philosophy teaching for children of different ages. Several methodologies have been developed over the last two decades and the majority of them will be presented by well-known specialists in specialized master classes.
Children of all ages are open to discussing a multitude of problems and questions of philosophical nature which interest them personally. The introduction of children to logical and rational thought not only develops the philosophical spontaneity of children but helps them to become enlightened citizens, capable of formulating their own critical judgment and clear and reflexive views about life from the very early age.

The practice of philosophy with children is based on the recognition of every child as individual who should be respected, listened to and given the possibility to express his or her opinion and thoughts. The practice of philosophy in primary schools has been developing over the last two decades and its popularity increases every year.

Philosophical workshops for children have become an integral and coherent part of primary school programmes. They permit children to develop their linguistic capacities and vocabulary, to learn to argue, to discuss, to respect and to listen to the opinion of the others. Philosophy practices with children are based on philosophical literature which enriches their personal culture and learns them to interpret literary texts and to understand the challenges they contain.