Philosophy workshops for children: learning to think at an early age

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Philosophy workshops for children are much more than a simple school activity: they offer a unique space for learning to think, question and structure one's thoughts from an early age. Philosophy, often perceived as a discipline reserved for adults, is in fact an invaluable tool for developing children's natural curiosity, critical thinking skills and ability to deal with the complexity of the world.

In the Montessori Esclaibes international schools, the philosophy workshops, led by Marie Robertauthor, philosopher and co-founder of our international schools, offer a child-friendly approach. These sessions help children explore essential concepts such as freedom, authority, rules and friendship. They encourage them to listen, argue and share their ideas. A great way to grow and develop!

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How do the philosophy workshops for children at Montessori Esclaibes International Schools work?

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In our schools of excellence in Paris, Clichy and Marseille, philosophy plays a central role from kindergarten onwards. It teaches us to face up to the complexity of the world around us, and to realize thatthere is no single truth, no single way of thinking.

The philosophy workshops for children offered in our Montessori schools are designed to be both playful and structuring. They introduce children aged 3 and over to collective reflection and develop essential skills such as listening, expression and critical thinking. Led by the co-founder of our schools, Marie Robert, these workshops offer an interactive and engaging format, perfectly adapted to the needs of young students.

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An engaging, interactive format

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The philosophy workshops are based on a simple but effective method that encourages exchange and active participation by the children. They take place twice a month and last thirty minutes.

Here's how the sessions generally work:

• Circle set-up: Children sit cross-legged in silence, noting that they must raise their hands to speak.
• A time of meditation using a few breaths and ritual gestures to "enter into philosophy".
• Introducing the theme: Marie presents the workshops and introduces the theme with the supporting book. We use books from the "Les goûters Philo" collection published by Milan, or stories invented for the occasion;
• Reading a story: using short narratives, children immerse themselves in reflections. This passage through fiction allows immersion and the introduction of complex concepts in an accessible and engaging way. Children become familiar with the characters, identify with them...
• Questions to engage children After an initial pause in the story, Marie asks open-ended questions such as,
  • "What did you retain?"
  • "What stood out for you?"
  • "Would you have acted like this?"
  • "What does such and such a word mean?"

These questions encourage the children to formulate their ideas and start thinking collectively. Through discussion, the children arrive at their initial thoughts. Then Marie continues the story, which becomes more complex, showing something the children hadn't thought of.

• Story summary and discussion: After the reading, one child offers a summary and the group discusses the story.
• Guided debate: As the discussion progresses, guided by Marie's questions, the children put forward hypotheses, ask questions, draw on personal experience and exchange ideas as a group. Marie intervenes to relaunch or clarify, but lets the group move forward on its own.

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For younger children, philos workshops involve role-playing and drawing in addition to sharing a story.
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Rich and varied themes

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Philosophy workshops tackle topics that resonate with children's experiences and questions. Each theme is chosen to encourage reflection on fundamental notions and concepts that are sometimes complex, but always relevant.

Examples of themes:

• Obeying and disobeying: what are rules? What are they for? Why must children and adults alike obey them? How does it feel to disobey? What would a world without rules be like?
  This is a theme that often sees two main trends emerging: those who find rules great because they soothe, and those who like to disobey because it's fun!
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• Failure and success: how does it feel to succeed? How does it feel to fail? What are the possible reactions to failure? How can we learn from failure?
  During a session on this subject, one child concluded: "Children never give up, adults always do". Food for thought!
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• Girl/boy stereotypes: a session to deconstruct clichés and preconceptions together. Are there activities or colors reserved for girls or boys?
  During one session, the children concluded that there are no "boys'" activities, nor "girls'" colors, but the freedom to explore whatever we like.
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• Leaders and others: the question of authority and leader figures. Why command? What does responsibility mean? Can we do without leaders? How do we get out of relationships of authority? As many reflections as hypotheses.

A striking example: in our bilingual Montessori kindergarten in the ^16th arrondissement of Paris, a child once asked us what it meant to grow up. We discussed this in a philosophy workshop: what does it mean? Does growing in size necessarily mean more freedom? And doesn't more freedom also imply, as Sartre thought, more responsibility?
This interactive workshop enabled the children to express their views on a phenomenon as natural as it is essential for them, and to problematize it: does growing up mean changing or staying the same?

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The role of the host: a benevolent guide

In these workshops, Marie Robert plays a central role, guiding reflection while letting the children take ownership of the discussions. Her approach, inspired by Montessori pedagogy, is based on :

• constant benevolence: remember that every idea has value, and that there is no single "right" answer.
• a role of facilitator: stimulating discussion with open-ended questions or food for thought, while letting the group move forward on its own.‍
• rigor adapted to children: encouraging structured, well-argued thinking, while maintaining a playful, accessible tone.

To ensure that all nursery and elementary schools in the Esclaibes International Schools network benefit from these workshops, the teaching teams at our various facilities have been trained by Marie Robert.
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What are the benefits of philosophy workshops for children?

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The children's philosophy workshops we offer at the Esclaibes Montessori schools in Paris, Marseille and Clichy are more than just an intellectual activity. They offer a wide range of benefits that affect the personal, social and emotional development of young participants. By exploring complex concepts in a caring environment, children acquire essential skills for their present and future development.
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1. Developing critical thinking skills

Philosophy workshops teach children that there is no absolute truth, and that learning to ask the right questions is just as important as finding the answers. These sessions help them to :

• Construct their own thinking: they learn to analyze a situation, consider several perspectives and mobilize their reasoning.
• Understanding complexity: through discussions, they realize that a problem can have several solutions, and that it's possible to adopt different points of view.
• Develop the art of argumentation: children learn to explain their thoughts, justify their opinions and debate while respecting the ideas of others.
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2. Improving social skills

Philosophy workshops for children are a space for dialogue where interaction is at the heart of the experience. This collective dimension develops fundamental psychosocial skills:

• Active listening: each child is encouraged to pay attention to his or her peers' ideas before responding, thus strengthening their listening skills.
• Respect for differences: by confronting their ideas with those of others, they learn that differences of opinion are enriching and should be welcomed with respect.
• Collaboration: these collective discussions reinforce group spirit and help build a positive dynamic between participants.
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3. Self-confidence and oral expression

Speaking in front of a group, even a small one, can be intimidating for a child. Philosophy workshops provide a safe framework for overcoming this fear and developing :

• Self-confidence: sharing ideas, without fear of judgment, helps children gain confidence in their ability to think.
• Mastering oral expression: formulating clear ideas, finding the right words and structuring arguments are all skills reinforced by these sessions.
• The pleasure of expressing themselves: by seeing their ideas taken into account and respected, children enjoy sharing their thoughts and participating actively.

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Why do philosophy workshops fit in so well with Montessori pedagogy?

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Philosophy workshops for children naturally find their place in our international Montessori schools in Paris, Clichy and Marseille, as their very essence is aligned with the fundamental principles of this pedagogy. By offering children a space for autonomy, reflection and openness, they harmoniously complement the holistic, caring approach specific to Montessori and our schools.
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1. A discipline that fosters autonomy and intellectual curiosity

Montessori pedagogy is based on the idea that every child is capable of exploring the world and constructing his or her own knowledge when given the right environment. Philosophy workshops, by encouraging children to formulate their own ideas and ask questions, are a perfect response to this objective:

• Cultivating curiosity: workshops encourage children to ask questions and explore complex notions. In this way, they nurture their natural desire to learn.
• Stimulate intellectual autonomy: by guiding children to think for themselves, these sessions give them the tools to develop personal, critical thinking.
• Developing an active understanding of the world: far from ready-made answers, philosophy workshops allow children to build their own understanding of the concepts discussed.
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2. In resonance with the vision of Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori stressed the importance of helping children cultivate their creative and adaptive faculties for tomorrow's world.

Let's not raise our children for today's world. That world will have changed by the time they grow up. That's why our priority is to help children cultivate their creative and adaptive faculties.

Philosophy, as a discipline that teaches people to think for themselves, fits perfectly into this perspective:

• Preparing children for tomorrow's world: by learning to deal with complexity and accept a diversity of viewpoints, children develop essential skills for evolving in a globalized world.
• Encouraging intellectual creativity: philosophy invites us to think differently, to question and invent new answers. An approach that ideally complements Montessori teaching.
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3. A holistic approach to global fulfillment

Philosophy workshops are not an isolated part of the Montessori Esclaibes school program. They are part of a global educational approach that takes into account all the child's dimensions: intellectual, emotional and social.

• Complementarity with other practices: like yoga, meditation and the arts, philosophy helps develop cross-disciplinary skills such as concentration, listening and reflection.
• A complete education: the aim is to help children grow up in harmony with themselves and the world, giving them the tools to navigate life with confidence and openness.

In the schools of the Esclaibes International Schools network, we develop an education based on active pedagogy to aim for children's well-being and excellent learning.
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4. An environment conducive to listening and learning

The Montessori environment, known for its calm and caring atmosphere, is particularly well suited to philosophical exchanges.

• A climate of respectful listening: in the Montessori Esclaibes schools, children evolve in an environment where every idea is valued and where exchanges are always guided by respect.
• Encourage introspection: the calm and serenity of the workshops enable children to concentrate fully on their thoughts and express themselves without fear.
• Encourage quality exchanges: the clear rules established in philosophy workshops, such as raising one's hand to speak, reinforce active listening and the quality of discussions.

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Focus: Marie Robert, philosopher and organizer of philosophy workshops for children in our international schools

At the heart of the philosophy workshops for children at Montessori Esclaibes schools is Marie Robert, philosopher and co-founder of our network of international schools of excellence in the heart of the French capital and the Phocéenne capital. Her background, experience and passion for transmission make her a central figure in the introduction of philosophy to the very young.
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A rich and inspiring career

With a degree in philosophy from the Sorbonne, Marie Robert has combined her love of reflection with a commitment to modern, caring pedagogy. As co-founder of the Montessori Esclaibes schools, she has made philosophy a key learning area, convinced that thinking for oneself is an essential skill from the earliest age. In fact, you can listen to her on the subject of philosophy from childhood at the microphone of the podcast Les adultes de demain.
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Books to make philosophy accessible to all

Marie Robert is also the author of two best-selling books:

• Kant you don't know what to do, there's still philosophy, a practical guide to finding philosophical answers to everyday questions.
• "escartes for days of doubt, offering inspiring ways to overcome moments of confusion thanks to the wisdom of great thinkers.

These books embody his conviction that philosophy is not a discipline reserved for an elite, but an accessible and valuable resource for everyone, children included.
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A playful and enlightening philosophy

Marie Robert embodies the idea that philosophy can be fun, engaging and deeply enriching. Through her philosophy workshops at the Montessori Esclaibes bilingual schools, she gives children the keys to explore the world with curiosity and autonomy, while having fun at the same time.

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🎥 In this video, Marie Robert talks about her vision of transmission to children What do we want them to inherit? How can we do this without imposing?

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Philosophy, one of many activities in our Montessori schools

As explained above, at Esclaibes Montessori schools, children's philo workshops are part of a comprehensive educational program designed to foster pupils' all-round development. The aim is to cultivate the mind as well as the body, by offering a wide range of complementary activities.
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A variety of workshops to help children blossom

Philosophy workshops are just one of many initiatives designed to enrich children's daily lives and develop essential skills:

• Yoga: a practice to enhance physical and mental well-being.
• Meditation: moments of calm to help children regulate their emotions and refocus.
• Sophrology: exercises to improve concentration and reduce stress.
• Art activities: creative projects that stimulate imagination and self-expression.

These practices, in addition to philosophy workshops, enable children to grow up in an environment conducive to reflection, listening and emotional management.
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A child-centered program

In a Montessori environment, every activity is designed to meet the child's needs and help him or her become a responsible, well-rounded citizen. Philosophy, like yoga or artistic activities, is not an isolated discipline. It's part of a global educational approach, where :

• Children are encouraged to explore, question and learn for themselves.
• All these disciplines contribute to shaping open-minded, curious and confident individuals.

This holistic program reflects the commitment of Montessori Esclaibes International Schools to offer much more than an academic education: it is a true accompaniment towards personal and social fulfillment.

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Philosophy workshops for children run by Marie Robert and teachers in every bilingual school in the Esclaibes International Schools network, offer a unique space where children can reflect, question the world and express their ideas in a caring and stimulating environment. By learning to think for themselves and embrace complexity, children acquire valuable skills for their future.

These workshops help shape curious, open and autonomous minds, in perfect harmony with Montessori pedagogy. They show that philosophy, far from being reserved for adults, is a powerful tool to help children grow and flourish.

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👉 To find out more about our philosophy workshops and Montessori Esclaibes schools , contact us at.

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