The IAPC residential summer course in philosophy for children at Mendham, New Jersey takes place the first week of August each year (Saturday through Saturday). This course is offered in conjunction with Montclair State University’s Graduate Certificate in Inquiry-Based Teaching and Learning. It may also be taken as a free-standing, professional development course, without university credit. To register or request more information, contact Ariel Sykes.
The Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children holds its annual Summer Seminar during the first week of August (Saturday through Saturday) at St. Marguerite’s Retreat House in Mendham, New Jersey.
This seminar is designed for those who are novices to Philosophy for Children, as well as for those with many years experience in the field. The seminar is typically attended by undergraduate and graduate students, schoolteachers, professors and others from around the world who have interest or experience in using the IAPC curriculum and methodology of Philosophy for Children. In this seminar participants will experience and practice facilitating a Community of Philosophical Inquiry with adults, cultivate a philosophical ear by learning to recognize philosophical dimensions of experience and philosophical issues in texts, enhance their awareness of effective dialogic practices through the use of various forms of assessment, and practice using the IAPC Philosophy for Children curriculum materials. Time will also be dedicated to exploring some of the theoretical dimensions of Philosophy for Children, community of inquiry pedagogy, and philosophical curriculum construction.
The seminars are held at St. Marguerite’s Retreat House, on the grounds of the Episcopal Community of St. John Baptist in Mendham, New Jersey. Residency is required. The Retreat House contains 26 single bedrooms, six shared bathrooms, three sitting rooms for smaller gatherings, a large library where we hold most conference sessions, a large dining room, a chapel, and two solariums for activities and recreation. The house is situated on 93 acres of wooded land. The setting is extremely beautiful and peaceful.
Meals are served buffet style in the dining room. Three meals a day are provided, with fruit, cookies, coffee and tea available around the clock. Please alert the IAPC of any special dietary needs prior to your arrival. The Retreat House will accommodate your needs as best they can.