Using Research-Creation Methodologies to Explore Philosophy in the Childhood Classroom

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Methodologies: Revisiting the Old and Offering the New (Table 5)

Abstract

The paper draws on a two-year research study in one elementary school in Toronto, Canada at which research-creation methodologies are used to explore the integration of philosophy in the childhood classroom. I focus on the use of fables and folklore as philosophical texts and, specifically, draw on Cordel literature to argue for the importance of introducing children to alternative literature that provokes affect and emotion. Within this paper I employ philosophy as a conceptual and methodological tool and argue that this speculative approach enables a more inclusive conception of philosophy to be explored with children in a diverse school in Toronto.

Author

• Nikki Rotas, Western University