Mexico City, September 30, 2024.- The program Philosophy for Childrenlaunched by the Faculty of Philosophy of the Universidad Panamericana, in collaboration with the Iter Groupmarks a milestone in basic education in Mexico. With the objective of instilling critical, analytical and creative thinking in students from an early age, this project seeks to be a pioneering, adaptable and scalable educational model.
An innovative educational program
This program is distinguished by introducing the teaching of philosophy at the primary and secondary levels, beginning with an initial implementation in the following schools Álamos y Fontanar schools in Querétaro. In its first phase, which began in August 2024, it covers first through fifth grade. By August of next year, coverage is expected to be extended to preschool and secondary education, thus consolidating a comprehensive approach that covers more stages of academic development.
The central purpose of the program is to equip students with philosophical tools that will enable them to face reality with greater depth and analytical capacity. Through the teaching of philosophical issues appropriate to their level, children will not only develop essential soft skills, but will also be able to ask deep questions, reflect and enjoy the process of answering them.
Philosophy adapted to basic education
The design of this program has been the result of a year of collaborative work between the Iter Group and the Panamericana School of Philosophy. During this process, specific educational materials and a plan of sessions were developed to allow teachers to teach philosophy classes adapted to the needs of children.
This approach allows the youngest children to approach philosophy in a didactic and practical way, fostering from an early age reflection and questioning skills that are traditionally associated with higher educational levels.
Project delivery and training
On August 20, 2024, in Querétaro, an event was held in which the educational model was formally delivered to the Alamos and Fontanar schools. During this presentation, the structure of the program and its potential impact on students were detailed.
In addition, a brief training was offered to the teaching staff of both institutions, allowing them to experience what a philosophy class for children will be like. This training was designed to ensure that teachers thoroughly understand the purpose and methods of the program, ensuring successful implementation.
Among those present at the event were important academic and educational authorities. From the School of Philosophy, Leonardo Ruiz Gómez, director of the School, and Jovanna García Calzón, head of admissions, together with María Paula Utrilla Marchand, admissions coordinator, attended the event. Pilar Espinoza Leal, director of Fontanar School, and Jorge Arturo Ruiz Gómez, director of Álamos School, attended from Grupo Iter.
The importance of critical thinking in today's education
In the words of Dr. Ruiz Gómez: "in an increasingly fast-paced world, our children require specific moments to develop the reflective skills inherent to Philosophy". This highlights the relevance of offering spaces in which students can stop to think and reflect, fundamental skills in today's society.
This project responds to the need to train new generations who, beyond acquiring knowledge, can interpret and analyze it from a philosophical perspective, allowing them to make more informed and grounded decisions.
Future of the project
The long-term vision of Philosophy for Children includes expanding this educational model to other schools and cities, promoting a transformation in the way teaching and learning begins at an early age.
This program represents a significant effort to ensure that philosophy is no longer seen as a distant and abstract discipline, but rather as an essential tool for the personal and intellectual growth of students in basic education.
Learn more about the School of Philosophy at: https://www.up.edu.mx/educacion-universidad-facultad-de-filosofia/
