Most children have inquiring minds and love learning new things. Philosophy for Children opens minds, stimulates thinking and encourages wonder.
Philosophy for Children
Philosophy for Children (P4C) is a method of doing Philosophy with children. A trained facilitator presents a story or idea to a group of children and encourages them to ask questions.
The facilitator and children sit in a circle so they can see each other. This method of doing philosophy is called a ‘Community of Inquiry.’
Guided by the facilitator, the children engage in discussion and share ideas. They listen to and reply to each other, express opinions and give reasons.
With a simple story as a starting point, discussion takes on all kinds of threads. Meaning is discovered, giving participants a valuable learning experience.
Rules ensure that discussion stays on track and doesn’t become trivial. Variations include small group sessions and using other stimuli, like pictures and objects or visiting interesting places.
Benefits to children include improved discussion, reasoning, social and thinking skills. Oral and written skills invariably improve also.
Children of any age enjoy Philosophy for Children. As a qualified FAPSA (Federation of Australasion Philosophy in Schools Associations) facilitator, I have taught philosophy to children of all ages from Kindergarten to Grade 12. We offer 10-week courses for all grades K to 12. Delivery is available in school time, after school or during school holidays. Sessions last for 50-minutes to an hour.
See also links:
About Socrates
About Philosophy
Philosophy for Teachers
And downloadable PDFs:
About Philosophy 2019
Philosophy for Children 2019
Philosophy for Teachers 2019
Socrates and the Examined Life 2019
For an educational, fun activity to enrich your students, get in touch to arrange a course for your class or school.
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