PHiLOSOPHY
The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change.
William Arthur Ward
Sesame Street: Mark Ruffalo: Empathy
EMPATHY
RSA Shorts - The Power of Empathy What is Empathy?
What is the best way to ease someone's pain and suffering?
In this beautifully animated RSA Short, Dr Brené Brown reminds us that we can only create a genuine empathic connection if we are brave enough to really get in touch with our own fragilities.
The Paradox of Empathy Great discussion starter for Stage 3
Tragically, Hector’s father is involved in a car accident and dies.
Hector is devastated.
An acquaintance, Anita, tells him that she knows just how he feels. Angered at her presumption, he responds, “No, you don’t know how I feel!” After all, how could she know how he feels? She doesn’t know what he is going through, what he is thinking and how he is feeling.
No one can know how anyone else feels.
CONUNDRUM
Conundrums are strategically designed with imperfect answers to stimulate students critical thinking and ethical debating skills. Designed at Astra Nova School Conundrums are available at any time, to anyone on Youtube
The first Conundrums is the Blue Comet Conundrum
Step 1
Students view the Blue Comet Conundrum video (approx 1m)
Three people think that they should get to name it. So, whose side are you on?
Students work in groups and discuss what they think.
Step 2
Then view a student response to this conundrum
Step 3
Students in groups write a “discussion script" for their response
and video it. 60-90secs
Then
view additional conundrums
Students discuss with their group and prepare a video response script.
And shoot the video. Send them along to me, I would love to see them.
One person can be the presenter or all as presenters, groups can decide on the format. Someone will need to operate perhaps direct.A couple of my favourites are: The Pizza Conundrum and The Martian Conundrum
SPEAKING & LISTENING
How to speak so that people want to listen - Julian Treasure
Have you ever felt like you're talking, but nobody is listening? Here's Julian Treasure to help.
In this useful talk, the sound expert demonstrates the how-to's of powerful speaking — from some handy vocal exercises to tips on how to speak with empathy.
A talk that might help the world sound more beautiful.
IN THE CLASSROOM
Philosophy for Children
Professor Phillip Cam on the teaching of philosophy at primary school level. Great responses for children, this one is from Stanmore Public School. Great intro for teacher’s at staff meetings.
GREAT RESOURCES
Using Children's Books to teach Philosophy
Ready to try your hand at having a philosophical discussion with children? To help you out, here are all the materials you’ll need to do so, except the books. Just click on a book and suggestions for philosophical discussions will be provided.
The Center for Philosophy for Children Also has some great resources. I did enjoy the Peter Rabbit philosophical discussion with my kids. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOOD AND BAD?
"How can you tell if something is an accident?
How can you tell if something is on purpose?”
Also has lesson plans, videos, over 100 books and resources. One of my favourites is Plato’s Ring of Gyges
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