Picture this: a group of three and four-year-olds challenging the world through words and maximising their freedom through independent critical thought. That’s exactly what ‘Philosophy Penguin Presents …’ offers; an opportunity for young children to discuss what they think, why they think what they do and how what they think differs from others.
Neil Wilcock PhD is a keen practitioner of philosophy for children. He believes that there is an intrinsic value to the study of philosophy, philosophical ideas and philosophical skills, and unless those ideas and skills are cultivated at an early age there is a definite risk of us becoming less free, easily misled, and dogmatic in our opinions.
The sessions, which take place every Wednesday here at The Mill, involve a prepared tension that children will have to think about, these can be through a picture book, a story that Neil tells, or a game. The group sits in a circle together to discuss the tension, and afterwards, they’ll embark on a craft together. The craft will be loosely connected to the discussion and will offer another opportunity for the children to think and express their thoughts in a different way.
Neil hopes that the support from The Mill through Grow Your Idea will help raise the profile of the sessions so he can expand into schools and nurseries in the local Walthamstow area.
If you’d like to attend, visit our What’s On pages for more information, or email Neil on nwilcock@hotmail.co.uk.
‘Philosophy Penguin Presents … ‘ take place on Wednesdays 10:00 am – 10:45 am.
Check out the ‘Philosophy Penguin Presents … ‘ interview on Forest Radio.
Follow Neil for updates on Twitter: @PhilosophyPeng1