Iceland : Philosophy for Children in action

• Main Author: Sigurthórsdóttir, I.
• Other Authors: Bernard van Leer Foundation
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2004
• Subjects: education; children; conflict prevention; Science and Technology; Iceland
• Online Access: http://www.search4dev.nl/record/294034

For the last six years, Foldaborg preschool in Reykjavik, Iceland, has been operating a two year programme for young children up to six years, based on the ‘Philosophy for Children’ ideas of Dr Matthew Lipman. The programme was designed to help young children to exercise and develop their ability to engage in investigations, debates and discussions. Its original point was to provide young children with the means to resolve conflicts amongst themselves; and specific goals included: increasing children’s respect for each other, thereby lowering the risk of persecution later on; developing better relations between children; increasing creative and critical thought among them; increasing their understanding of themselves and their own thoughts; and increasing their respect for the opinions of others. This article reports on the introduction of the programme, its operation and development, and some of its outcomes.