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Philosophical Social Club for Middle Schoolers!

Do you have a curious-minded middle schooler or maybe even a deep thinker? Have them join us in weekly relaxed philosophical reflections and discussions while also learning a bit about the academic discipline of philosophy!
Ms. Melissa (M.A. Former University Lecturer)
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(11)
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

US Grade 6 - 8
Beginner - Intermediate Level
*Important: Due to the discussion-based and interactive nature of the class, cameras are required to be kept on for the duration of class. Thank you! :)

The Philosophical Social Club for Middle Schoolers is both a teacher and learner-led discussion-based class. It is ongoing club for middle schoolers with little to no background in philosophy to come together and join in relaxed but loosely guided philosophical conversations with their peers. Each week, I will start by introducing some topic choices and/or philosophical questions. Learners will be encouraged to explore what direction the conversation takes them in. I will help by providing prompts, guidance, moderation, and but also sharing relevant vocabulary, concepts, and/or theories when applicable. 

*This class is both teacher and learner-directed. Therefore, topic choices will come from both the teacher and students as we explore the academic discipline of philosophy together.*


NEXT (Since classes are learner-led, the schedule below applies specifically to the Friday 7:30 p.m. EST class but it will be updated for other groups accordingly): 

* All topics are tied to different branches and elements within the academic discipline of philosophy.

9/20: Generative AI Programs
9/27: Technological Innovations 
10/4:  Observations of Nature and Animals 
10/11: Animals, Nature, Metaphor, and Stories
10/18: Finding Good from Struggles
10/25: Reflections on Animal Natures
11/1: "Magic," Science, and Technology
11/9: Science Fiction Reflections: Time 
11/15: "What Would You Choose and Why?" Fun Scenarios 
11/22: "What Would You Choose and Why?" Fun Scenarios (Continued)
11/29: No Class (Thanksgiving Holiday)
12/6: Exploring Questions from the Main Branches of Philosophy 
12/13: Humans and AI 
12/20: Philosophical and Ethical Issues in Everyday Life



Drop in any time! :)

Prior knowledge of philosophy is not required and advanced students may benefit more from 1:1 tutoring or my more formal academic series course.

Learning Goals

This club is meant to be a relaxed and informal social meet-up for middle schoolers interested in engaging in philosophical discussions with others and/or exploring philosophical concepts.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
This class will allow for the free exchange of ideas from the learners. Therefore, parents can decide if the open-discussion nature of the class is a good fit for their learner(s). Of course, all discussions will always be moderated in a way to keep examples and views relevant, appropriate, and in line with Outschool's policies.
Supply List
Optional: For some learners, it can help when trying to think deeply, creatively, and/or focusing to draw, create, or even use a fidget toy, so please have your learner feel free to bring materials to draw/doodle, create/mold (i.e. clay/playdough), or even fidget with while chatting! It  is very welcome and can help many individuals with brainstorming, imagination, and overall focus!
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
5.0
11reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree from Old Dominion University
I am a former university instructor that specialized in making introductory courses fun, engaging, and relevant to everyday life. I have over 20 years of experience teaching courses in philosophy and ethics. I taught for over 16 years at the college level, where I held the position of Master Lecturer before I left to focus on homeschooling my children full-time. In addition, I have over 7 years teaching philosophy courses to kids, ages 6-16. Prior to offering classes on Outschool, I volunteered at both a local public high school as well as a private school alongside performing my teaching duties at the university.

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$10

weekly
1x per week
45 min

Completed by 10 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
2-6 learners per class

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