La Philosophy for Children and Community come pratica didattica e sostegno educativo alla genitorialità

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the curriculum of Philosophy for Children and highlight its pedagogical and didactic aspect. This method enhances the promotion of co-construction of thought thanks to the creation of a community of inquiry. At the heart of this methodology, there are the philosophical novels, which allows children to experiment with philosophical practices. These philo sophical novels (written by Lipman, author of the curriculum) present different themes and are aimed at specific age groups. The Philosophy for Children method has not been used only with chil dren, but it is now widely used in various contexts of adult educa tion, in the analogous form of the Philosophy for Community. Starting from these experiences, parent training were carried out, in the formula of the «philosophical coffee». In particular, it’s im portant to highlight the flexibility and versatility of the Philosophy for Children and Community in different learning contexts, to promote an ever wider diffusion in schools. Some research and training experiences that involved university students and parents will be recalled, which clarify how, through this method, it is pos sible to work for development of thought with the youngest, but also for promotion of parents education.