Philosophy for Kids - Open Ended Questions for Higher Order Thinking Grades 1-3

There are 33 questions in the attached PDF. The questions have no true right and wrong answer so children enjoy writing their thoughts and sharing them with the group. I've used these questions in small groups and as a whole class activity. They are great to challenge your children to use critical thinking skills and active listening/critique skills when you have the children share their work.

On the first page of the document, you'll find a helpful short answer response format using the acronym RACE. It is helpful for the children to learn how to structure short answers and it will be very helpful for the common core assessments that are soon to come. The format is best used with grades 3+ however it can be used with advanced learners in the lower grades.

Feel free to modify the questions as you see fit or tie them to novels/books you are using in class.

You can make these questions into a quick do now or a week long theme. The grade levels in the document are only suggestions. Try them out with grades close to my suggestions.

Graphics courtesy of mycutegraphics.com and www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tracee-Orman