Why explore language and meaning with children?
Children are expert word learners, and they notice when words are puzzling, unfair or powerful. Questions about names, vague words and meaning are a natural way into philosophy.
The activities move from naming a class teddy and the power of words to the sorites puzzle of the heap, thinking without words and Wittgenstein’s famous question about games.
Free activities to download
Ready-to-run EduTrend Contents philosophy enquiry workshops for primary, middle and high school. Each free download includes a step-by-step session plan, facilitator notes, three student worksheets and an assessment checklist. Full 20-week programmes are available in EduStore.
What’s in a Name?
Primary · Ages 5–7
Foundation · 30 min
Young children choose a name for a class teddy and enquire into what names do and whether a name can change a thing.
Can Words Hurt?
Primary · Ages 8–11
Developing · 45 min
Pupils examine the saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” and enquire into the power of words.
When Does a Heap Become a Heap?
Middle School · Ages 11–13
Intermediate · 50 min
Students explore the sorites puzzle with a pile of grains and enquire into vague words such as “heap”, “tall” and “young”.
Can You Think Without Words?
Middle School · Ages 12–14
Intermediate · 50 min
Students explore whether thinking needs language, using examples from babies, animals and pictures.
What Is a Game?
High School · Ages 15–18
Advanced · 60 min
Students try to define “game” and compare their attempts with Wittgenstein’s idea of family resemblance.
Liked the free activities? Go further with a 20-week programme.
Each free activity comes from a full EduTrend Contents programme: a Family Guide or Teacher's Guide with one-page session plans for 20 weeks, plus an Assessment Toolkit with rubrics, trackers and certificates. Choose the one for your child's age or your class below. Instant PDF download after checkout.
P4C-441 · 20 WEEKS · $29
Word Wonder at Home
Family · Ages 5–11 with a grown-up
Playing with words and meanings at home.
P4C-442 · 20 WEEKS · $39
Language and Meaning Enquiries
Primary · Ages 5–11
Class enquiries on names, words and kindness.
P4C-443 · 20 WEEKS · $39
Language Philosophy Lab
Middle school · Ages 11–14
Vague words, thought and definitions.
P4C-444 · 20 WEEKS · $45
Language Enquiry Leaders
High school · Ages 14–18
Lead language enquiries for younger children.
Photos: Catherine Hammond, Ashton Bingham, Yannis H, Caroline Hernandez, Jerry Wang / Unsplash
Language and Meaning
Explore language and meaning with five free printable philosophy activities, from naming a teddy and the power of words to the heap puzzle, thinking without words and Wittgenstein on games. For longer learning, choose a 20-week programme for families, primary, middle or high school.
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Language and Meaning
