On April 30, 2003 about 50 Edgemont students, parents, teachers and administrators joined about a dozen MSU faculty and graduate students for this evening of philosophy, which reflected six years of the Philosophy for Children program at Edgemont School.  Edgemont Principal, Dr. Adunni S-Anderson welcomed the audience and spoke about the history of Philosophy for Children at Edgemont and the importance of thinking and dialogue.

The major event of the evening was a philosophical group discussion among 15 fifth graders, many of whom have been involved in the weekly program since kindergarten.  The discussion was held in a “fishbowl” format—where a larger circle of audience observers will surround an inner circle of discussants. The session finished with the smaller circle joining the larger, with the floor opened to comments, questions, and continued discussion.

Philosophy Night was co-sponsored by the Edgemont PTA/School Review and the Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children at Montclair State University.  Refreshments and childcare were provided, and New Jersey Schoolteachers received two hours of professional development.