Philosophy Through Picture Books

Picture books are often deeply philosophical. These lesson plans are geared toward elementary school age students, some more particularly for younger elementary school students and some for older students. All of these books can also be used with middle and high school students, as well as high school students and adults, sometimes with adaptations of the questions listed with each lesson plan.

The lesson plans all suggest questions to consider when reading the stories listed here. These questions are not meant to be inclusive—they are possibilities for questions that can inspire philosophical exchanges, based on questions that have come from students when discussing these books. The lists of possible discussion questions are meant to provide some ideas for teachers preparing to use these books to help generate classroom philosophical conversations, but should not replace asking the students what questions the stories raise for them and ensuring that the discussions emerge from the students’ questions.