A Stone, The Brain & Father Christmas

Philosophy Lesson (1 hour)

A focus of discussion a stone was placed in the centre of the circle and the children were asked:

"How do you know if something is real?"

A Stone

"Stones are different colours." Nathan

"Stones are different shapes." Saffron

"Big stones are called rocks." Sam

"You are told it is a stone by your mum and dad and teacher." Jodie

"Teachers shouldn't tell lies or children won't believe them." Jamie

"It just comes up in your head." Harlie

"You remember it." Sacha

"You know it is real because you've seen it before." Connor

"I've felt a stone before." Charlie

"Stones are heavy. Whenever I pick one up they are heavy." Jamie

"They are hard - I've tried before." Sacha

"I've used scales." Shane

The Brain

"You need to see something to know it is real." Kristen

"It's not your eyes that see it, it's your brain that know it." Jamie

"How do you know your brain is real?"

"Because you wouldn't be able to say anything." Megan

"Because you use your brain to think." Connor & Ryan

"How do you know Mrs Eagle exists when she leaves the room?"

"Because humans don't disappear, only when they are dead." Kama

"She might be a witch!" Sam

"There are no such things as witches." Ryan

Father Christmas

"How do you know Father Christmas is real if you don't see him?"

"I believe he is real." Harlie

"Because I got a letter from him and my mum can't write as neat as that." Naomi

"Because he gives you the things you have always wanted." Kama

"Because the milk and biscuits are gone from the steps." Connor

"Because he gives us presents." Brooke

"Presents come from your parents" Saffron

"If you don't believe you won't get presents." Jasmine

"He puts socks on the end of your bed." Krystal

"He is like a postman, he picks up the presents and brings them the next day." Troy

"How can he fly about the world in one night?" Kelly

"Parents are waiting for their own presents." Harlie

"You need to see him to know he is real." Connor

"I believe he is real because I saw him in the city." Nathan