Big Ideas for Small Kids
Written by Olivia Throssell
"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." — John Dewey
Philosophy is the fundamental study of knowledge, reality, and discipline, especially when considered as an academic discipline. University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) Philosophy professor Celia Bardwell-Jones believes philosophy can be taught to anyone, no matter what age. A few semesters ago, she got the idea to have her students teach American Philosophy to members of the community in what she labeled a "social action project."
Although Bardwell-Jones liked this idea, she felt it would prove too broad for her students. To narrow the action project, she honed in on one element: engaging Waiakea Elementary School children in discussions centering around philosophy.
“The way I teach American Philosophy is through the Philosophy of Education. Students are learning that the idea is not just to talk and read about the subject of education but also use what they are learning to gain experience teaching within a classroom,” the Philosophy professor explained. “I wanted to teach this class through the lens of education.”
Her students design their lesson plans from Thomas E. Wartenberg's knowledge. His books give standards for discussing philosophical themes with children using books suitable for their ages. They also mention why permitting children to access philosophy during elementary school is important.
College student and Philosophy major Olivia Throssell reading to Waiakea Elementary fourth graders. Photo courtesy of Celia Bardwell-Jones.
Bardwell-Jones' students were able to pick a children's book of their choice. The professor used the book I Know the Moon by Stephen Axel Anderson as an example to describe the process which was employed in the social action project. In the book, animals inquire what the moon is. Because each animal has its own idea of what the moon is, they decide ask a man of science about it. The man of science simply replies the moon is made of dead rock. Disappointed with his reply, the animals revert back to appreciating the moon through the way they originally saw it.
After finishing their books, her students would then go on to ask simple questions like, “When you look at the moon what do you see?” and “How do you know a person knows the truth?”
“At first the students ... have a bit of anxiety about reading and talking to the children. It ranges, some are very comfortable and excited others are nervous, but at the end of the day," Bardwell-Jones stated, "each of the students commented that the experience helped them overcome some interpersonal fears they have about public speaking.”
Her students also noticed the excitement the children experienced when asked questions that do not have "yes" or "no" answers. Each child came up with whatever answers they liked (within reason) and no one told them they might be wrong.
Philosophy major Melissa Macdonald reading to Waiakea Elementary third graders. Photo courtesy of Celia Bardwell-Jones.
According to Bardwell-Jones, teaching the course in which this social action project occurs (Philosophy 370 - American Philosophy) and observing the interaction between the college students and the elementary students is truly the focus of American Philosophy.
“When thinking about education, the [early] courses were centered around [the] philosophy course," the professor asserts. "Philosophy ... center[s] around questions of knowledge, of wonder, of not knowing. [It] puts you in [an] attitude of learning[,] which is what education is fundamentally about; we respond to that wonder. Elementary-aged kids are already in that stage of wonder, and are in the position to ask a lot of questions. When the college students go[] into the classroom, we are tapping into that imagination which enables us to learn and we notice the sense of wonder appears when they ask the philosophical questions.”
College students not only learn about different attitudes toward education when they take Philosophy 370; they also connect with children by helping them question and think the world around them. The class thus provides a comprehensive education for both college and elementary students. Best of all, it helps college students realize that teaching is not so scary after all. Bardwell-Jones' students have admit that they never thought teaching was something they were capable of until her social action project.
Bardwell-Jones will be teaching Philosophy 370 in Spring 2017. Students interested in enrolling in the course can contact her at celiab@hawaii.edu.
