March Break Workshops for Kids!

Food and Philosophy Fun for March Break!
Don't Let Good Ideas Go To Waste!

Calling all thinkers aged 8-18! Join us for a Think-A-Thon on Tuesday, March 16 at 87 Up in Georgetown (87 Main St. South).

Thinkers aged 8-12 will be discussing the wonders of robots (and their human friends) from 1:30-3:30 pm. Thinkers aged 13-18 will take a look at the wonders of modern media (yes, even the infamous Facebook and Twitter) from 3:30-5 pm. For those interested in tempting their taste buds as well as their minds, there will also be a variety of fantastic cooking workshops offered during the week.

Think-A-Thon workshops are $10 per thinker, per topic (prices vary for cooking classes). Register by calling Foodstuffs at (905) 877-6569. For more information, see the attached brochure, or call Amy Leask at (905) 864-1858 x2 (email amy@enabletc.com).

Brochure Link:

http://www.foodstuffs.ca/classes/march-break-cooking-classes

Study of Human Nature Starts Really Early

It seems that, along with applesauce and squeak toys, the diaper-set are also into interpreting people's intentions. This article in the Toronto Star discusses our ability to weed out "jerks", and how it develops much sooner than we thought. Psychologist Erik Erikson once theorized that although children have a different framework for logic, they do indeed have it. I wonder if the same is true for morality...

Enjoy!

http://www.parentcentral.ca/parent/babiespregnancy/babies/article/762189--infants-know-when-you-re-being-a-jerk

Must-see Video Clip

A friend forwarded this to me today, and I think it really describes the paradigm shift happening with children and adolescents. I love its "teach me to think" message, and I think it's great that something as old as philosophy can help to make the most of a modern technological movement. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZVCjfWf8

Yes, Virginia...

There's really no bad time to challenge little minds with big questions, even amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Here are a few questions you might take on with wee philosophers:

• Why is it better to give than to receive? Is it okay to think of ourselves sometimes? How do we help ourselves while helping others?
• How can you tell if Santa has been to your house? Can you trust your eyes and look for clues? What kind of clues prove that Santa has been there? This is obviously a question for smaller thinkers. For the slightly older and more cynical, you might want to discuss whether it's okay to believe in Santa in the first place.
  
• What makes the most beautiful Christmas tree (or wreath, gingerbread house, menorah, Kwanzaa decorations, etc.)? What does it mean for something to be beautiful?

Here's wishing everyone a lot of cheer, and a few deep thoughts in the coming holiday season.

Don't Let the Dimples and Drool Fool You

Alison Gopnik is a psychologist from UC Berkeley with a background in philosophy. She, like many of us, is convinced that even while we're in diapers, we're thinking about the universe, and considering the needs and feelings of those around us. True, it's difficult to strike up a discussion of postmodernism over Cheerios and sippy-cups. However, if we approach philosophy on a little person's terms, we do see evidence that they think about more than just their pacifiers and their next meal. Gopnik calls babies the "research and development" department of the human race, and insists that they're smart and curious, even without an entourage of expensive, high tech toys. Here are a couple of interesting clips, including a fantastic interview with Stephen Colbert.

http://watch.thecomedynetwork.ca/the-colbert-report/full-episodes/the-colbert-report---october-7-2009/#clip220761

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERSiBlNz8UU

New Article Up

Check out the new posting on SoulsCode.com:
http://www.soulscode.com/toddlers-in-togas-the-examined-life-starts-early/

Fall Workshop!

What Are We, Really? (Environmental Philosophy for Children aged 7-12)

Have you ever wondered what makes a human a human? Can you explain what makes us different from other animals, or even plants? In this workshop, we’ll step into the wonderful world of philosophy, and talk about humans, our environment, and why we should be kind to our planet. Meet famous minds, participate in fun activities, and learn to philosophize like a pro!


• Saturday, October 24, 10-11:30am at POWER Halton Hills
• free admission, includes games, activities, discussions and take-home resources for parents and teachers
• register by calling (905) 873-1820 or emailing info@powerhalton.ca