Philosophy for Children: Encouraging Big Ideas at Hausner

Philosophy for Children classes are offered in various grade levels at Hausner and taught by a group of specially trained Hausner teachers. In these classes, students are invited to explore big, important questions in a way that's both fun and meaningful. It isn’t about giving answers; it’s about creating a space where children can ask, listen, and share their thoughts openly. It's an opportunity for them to develop skills in dialogue and critical thinking while also discovering new ways to express themselves.

Students in the class are encouraged to take the lead in discussions, fostering an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their ideas. We explore big, open-ended questions like, “Can music be an international language?” and “Can any work be considered art?” These questions spark conversations that dive into subjective and cultural interpretations. For example, we listened to music from different parts of the world—including an Israeli piece—and explored famous works of expressionist and abstract art, prompting rich discussion.

We also read books that touch on important themes. In my Philosophy classes for our Hebrew speakers, we use Israeli children's books like "Yossi, My Wonderful Child" by O. Hillel and "Ziona Has One Wing" by Noam Horev. For the non-Hebrew speakers, taught by my peer Hausner Philosophy Fellows, these books are replaced with English-language stories that open up similar themes of personal growth, resilience, and kindness. Students reflect on ideas like “Follow your heart,” “Believe in yourself,” and “Create joy and friendships” as they share their insights and personal connections to the stories.

By encouraging these discussions, I’ve seen how the students grow in their ability to express their ideas with confidence and respect for others. The beauty of this class is that it provides them not only with a deeper understanding of important concepts but also with a sense of community as they navigate these big ideas together.