childrenthinking.co.uk - PWC In Action: Parents' comments

We believe that in order for Philosophy with Children to have a long-lasting effect on children's lives, the thinking must extend beyond the sessions. We use Philosophical thinking across the curriculum and in our daily interaction with children.

We run an after-school Philosophy club open to all children in the school. As part of our work in this and in our classes, we send work home. The children are encouraged to discuss questions arising from the sessions with their parents.

We recently sent out a questionnaire to parents asking for their views on the teaching of Philosophy at school and the related 'homework'. Below are some of the comments. We have never received any negative comments or complaints.

THANK YOU TO ALL THE PARENTS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND ENTHUSIASM.

1. Communication at home
2. Homework
3. Challenging thinking
4. Children's future
5. Any other comments

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1. Has Philosophy helped open up communication at home? If so, in what way?

"By getting together and answering questions"

"It has encouraged my child to ask questions"

"We are able to discuss things on an equal level, which doesn't happen with day to day problems"

"It has helped W to discuss issues with older siblings from a dominant position."

"Yes, my son has become very funny and imaginative about some of the questions in Philosophy."

"Yes, but some of it was hard to deal with as it is very relevant to our family situation e.g. single parent."

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2. Do you enjoy participating in the homework? And why?

"Yes, my son often talks about things I didn't know he knew."

"Yes, but need the time to deal with any other issues."

"Yes - it leads to discussion with one parent or the other. We live separately."

"It is time we are able to spend together one to one, and I look forward to it."

"Yes I do, and it is nice to know what she is learning and thinking about."

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3. Has your thinking been challenged by your child or through the homework? Can you give any examples?

"Yes, he said he would forgive instead of revenge in school situations, instead of retaliating."

"R has asked me questions I can't answer."

"Another perspective is sometimes offered e.g. Single parent issues from a child's perspective."

"It is interesting to see how she views things."

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4. How do you think Philosophy will help your child's future?

"My child's future learning in Philosophy is already working, as my child is already drawing pictures that have a meaning, as is explained by him."

"Infinitely. In every area of his life."

"By opening her mind to different viewpoints. She will have a greater base of knowledge to draw from."

"She will know a lot more about the future (just by asking WHY)"

"I think it will encourage him to look beyond the surface of things. Also as there are no right or wrong answers it builds confidence."

"Encourages child to think about how others feel and shows understanding."

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5. Have you any other comments to make about Philosophy?

"R enjoys Philosophy and I get lots of "Why mum?" which is good."

"Keep up the good work."

"I thought it would be too difficult for a six year old, but I have been pleasantly surprised how much she enjoys it and how much she is getting from the club. I'm really pleased she wanted to join."

"It's fun and a weekly challenge."

"I like the way it encourages children to question the topics raised. It leads to debates but ultimately no one is right or wrong - it's just opinion."

"You've got to have courage to take on 'sensitive' issues or ones that may upset either of you."

"Please carry on!

PS: My other son (14) is very jealous of W's opportunity here. He would love to study it (and does with us of course) but feels it should be part of everyone's school curriculum. He said this today as he is choosing GCSE options."

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