Gao Zhenyu, who will be teaching the pioneering course, says children naturally question their daily experiences: “Philosophy is not as profound as some people think.”

A school in China's Zhejiang province is planning to introduce a new subject to its kindergarten curriculum: philosophy.

The effort is intended to improve children's overall intellectual and spiritual development, and challenge views that children are unable to think wisely, Qianjiang Evening News reports.

The courses will focus on encouraging early reflection on human relations with nature. For example, after reading a story about ants, the children are asked to reflect on whether ants are beneficial insects.

Gao Zhenyu, who will be teaching the pioneering course and who also directs research into children and philosophy, says children naturally question their daily experiences. “Philosophy is not as profound as some people think,” Gao said.

Schools in the province have greatly expanded philosophy offerings at all levels in recent years, but this will be the first time such a class is offered to kindergarteners.

China has placed extremely high emphasis on improving and expanding education quality and access. In 1978 only 1.4 percent of all college-age adults were attending higher education. That number has since increased to 20 percent.

The Chinese Ministry of Education has prioritized in official documents the improvement of education in rural and poor areas, vocational education, pre-school education, improving subsidies for poor families, and improving the quality of teachers.

Teaching is a highly regarded and respected profession in China, and training is a lengthy and demanding process.