Engaging Children in Philosophical Inquiry through Picturebooks - By Margaret Gichuru et al. - Reflection Questions for Practitioners

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Elsa

Engaging Children in Philosophical Inquiry through Picturebooks outlines how children’s picturebooks can support philosophical inquiry for preschool and elementary learners. The article explains the process and benefits of using picturebooks to strengthen children’s critical thinking while addressing ethical questioning through culturally responsive approaches. It considers culturally responsive and abolitionist feminist curriculum and pedagogy, and emphasizes collaboration among multiple stakeholders in school settings. Recommendations conclude with implementation guidance for philosophical inquiry programs.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Reflection Questions for Practitioners

Philosophical Inquiry for Children: Research and Theory

Key recommendations for implementation

Philosophical Inquiry Program Design (preK-6)

Engaging Children in Philosophical Inquiry through Picturebooks By Margaret Gichuru ∗, Rhiannon Maton ±, MechthildNagel ° & Lin Lin • Children’s picturebooks present meaningful opportunities for thinking through life’s important questions. In this article, the authors outline the process and benefits of using picturebooks to support philosophical inquiry amongst preschool and elementary aged children. We discuss how philosophical inquiry can promote critical thinking in children, considerations in the use of culturally responsive and abolitionist feminist curriculum and pedagogy in teaching philosophy, and we highlight the utility of multiple stakeholder collaboration for successful philosophical inquiry projects in schools. The article closes by discussing key recommendations for the implementation of philosophical inquiry programs in preschool and elementary schools. Keywords: philosophical inquiry, picturebooks, philosophy, critical thinking, multiculturalism, abolition feminism Reflection Questions for Practitioners • What picturebooks can I use in my classroom that support philosophical inquiry? • How can I encourage my students to be critical, humanistic, and justiceoriented thinkers through using picturebooks? • How can undergraduate and graduate students support young readers in developing their cultural awareness, self-identity, and confidence? • What collaborative skills are required for creating and implementing a curriculum that encourages philosophical discussions in early childhood programs and schools? Children are innately curious and seek answers to many of life’s big questions. They regularly ask adults questions such as “Where did we come from?” and“What is fair and just?” Previous scholars have shown that children reap significant educational benefits from prioritizing such philosophical inquiry at a young age, including strengthened problem-solving skills and increased school engagement (Lipman, 2008; Wartenberg, 2014, 2009). In order to respond to such questions in ways that encourage continued philosophical inquiry, educators must reflect upon the ethical nature of such questions and have the skills to guide ∗Assistant Professor, State University of New York Cortland, USA. ±Associate Professor, State University of New York Cortland, USA.° Professor, State University of New York Cortland, USA. •Professor, State University of New York Cortland, USA. children in learning to ask thoughtful and probing questions (Wartenberg, 2014, 2009). Thomas Wartenberg (2014), a leading scholar of teaching philosophy in preK-12 schooling, discusses the significance of philosophy as follows: At its most basic level, philosophy attempts to solve fundamental puzzles about our lives and the world in which we find ourselves (p. 4). Children are philosophical thinkers and are capable of confronting philosophical issues influenced by their childhood experiences in solving problems (Matthews, 1994, 1980) . Children who are able to identify and inquire into personal, social, and economic complexities exhibit important critical thinking skills that can allow them to engage in democratic society in personally and politically meaningful ways. Critical thinking is central to questions of social and political democracy, and one of the functions of schooling is to develop citizens who think deeply about ethical concerns affecting a range of communities and public constituents (Portelli, 1994) . Thus, it is important for educators to learn how to guide students in critical and philosophical thinking. Philosophy is not a required subject and is missing in most elementary schools in the United States and Canada. And yet, children’s picturebooks are commonly employed in a range of geographic spaces within schools, including school libraries and classrooms, and are used for a range of purposes, including for teaching English Language Arts, Social Studies, and other subjects. Picturebooks are an excellent en

FAQs

How do picturebooks support philosophical inquiry for young children?

The article explains that picturebooks create meaningful opportunities for children to think through life’s important questions and to ask thoughtful, probing prompts. This supports continued philosophical inquiry alongside critical thinking development.

What role does culturally responsive pedagogy play in teaching philosophy with picturebooks?

It highlights culturally responsive and abolitionist feminist curriculum and pedagogy to ensure discussion reflects diverse identity-based experiences in pluralistic settings. The approach advances equity and justice while raising engagement.

Why is collaboration among stakeholders important for successful philosophical inquiry projects?

The article stresses the utility of multiple stakeholder collaboration for successful implementation in schools. It also notes that educators, and even undergraduate/graduate students, can help learners develop cultural awareness and confidence.

What implementation guidance does the article provide for preschool and elementary programs?

It closes with key recommendations for implementing philosophical inquiry programs in preschool and elementary schools. It also outlines curricular design factors for preK-6 educators to support philosophical thinking through picturebook read-alouds and discussions.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Elsa