Philosophical Stories for Middle Schoolers
Does your middle schooler love to question, talk with others, and have an interest in the power of metaphor in stories? Check out the Philosophical Stories class to join in the conversation! Learn a new short tale or more each week!
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Intermediate - Advanced Level
***(IMPORTANT: Learners are asked to keep cameras on in this social, discussion-based class.)*** In this ongoing, discussion-based club, learners will engage in regular dialogue with others, examining the power of stories and metaphor to convey important messages, truths, and lessons. Each week, we will explore the story interests and reflections of the learners, and I will share one or more philosophical story for deeper reflection and discussion. They also can create art while they listen, if they wish! Schedule: September 15: The Power of Stories and the Nature of Truth In this lesson, we will talk about the powerful role that stories play in revealing important lessons to humans. We will then explore select folktales that examine the relationship between the existence of truth and falsehood in the world. September 22: The Collection of Knowledge, Truth, and Wisdom In this lesson, we will explore the nature of truth by examining ancient tales and philosophies that warn against any one person thinking they alone have all knowledge or wisdom, but everyone has much to learn from others. September 29: Stories Warning about Tricksters In this lesson, we will explore stories that aim to raise our awareness of tricksters, but use animals as metaphors, which help to make the messages more universal and timeless. October 6: Stories with Moral Themes In this lesson, we will explore ancient tales with moral themes. Join any time! **It is also important to know that this class will not be a lecture, but will be discussion-based and learner-centered. My role will be to engage the students with questions based on a basic outline and to serve as a guide/moderator to keep us on task. The main goal will be for students to engage in discussion with each other and share their own insights and views. Given our class goals, cameras are required to be kept on. Thank you! :)
Learning Goals
Students will benefit by exploring the power of stories and metaphor to communicate important messages, truths, and lessons. In addition, they will learn about as well as be able to discuss and reflect upon various philosophical fables and tales.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Stories will always be age-appropriate or edited/altered to make them so. Also, 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 young 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.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Wisdom Tales by Heather Forest
Once There Was a Story by Jane Yolen
Aesop's Fables by Aesop
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree from Old Dominion University
I taught philosophy classes at a university for over 16 years, including courses in ethics, and in all of my courses I used stories to elaborate on philosophical and moral theories, reflections, and insights. It made studying the material more entertaining, memorable, and relatable. There are so many rich philosophical insights in stories of all kinds!
Reviews
Live Group Class
$10
weekly1x per week
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
2-6 learners per class