Philosophy For Children
What is P4C?
P4C stands for Philosophy For Children, and in our P4C sessions children are taught how to create their own philosophical questions. They will then vote one question to be the focus of a philosophical enquiry, for example: ‘Is it ever okay to steal?’ The children are then encouraged to debate, justify, reason and review within the enquiry.
The teacher supports these sessions as a facilitator, and supports the children in their thinking, reasoning and questioning, as well as the way that they speak and listen to each other in the dialogue. Beyond this, the dialogue is completely student led and provides an opportunity for them to develop their articulacy skills, as well as their understanding of the world as they see it. Every child, from Nursery to Year 6, has the opportunity to take part in P4C discussions and/or sessions (depending on age and readiness for structured P4C sessions).
P4C stands for Philosophy For Children, and in our P4C sessions children are taught how to create their own philosophical questions. They will then vote one question to be the focus of a philosophical enquiry, for example: ‘Is it ever okay to steal?’ The children are then encouraged to debate, justify, reason and review within the enquiry.
The teacher supports these sessions as a facilitator, and supports the children in their thinking, reasoning and questioning, as well as the way that they speak and listen to each other in the dialogue. Beyond this, the dialogue is completely student led and provides an opportunity for them to develop their articulacy skills, as well as their understanding of the world as they see it. Every child, from Nursery to Year 6, has the opportunity to take part in P4C discussions and/or sessions (depending on age and readiness for structured P4C sessions).
The 4 C’s
Through P4C lessons children will develop the 4C’s: creative, critical, caring and collaborative skills.
Caring thinking – listening (concentrating) and valuing (appreciating)
Colloborative thinking – responding (communicating) and supporting (building on each other’s ideas)
Critical thinking – questioning (interrogating) and reasoning (evaluating)
Creative Thinking – connecting (relating) and suggesting (speculating)
Through P4C lessons children will develop the 4C’s: creative, critical, caring and collaborative skills.
Caring thinking – listening (concentrating) and valuing (appreciating)
Colloborative thinking – responding (communicating) and supporting (building on each other’s ideas)
Critical thinking – questioning (interrogating) and reasoning (evaluating)
Creative Thinking – connecting (relating) and suggesting (speculating)
The P4C Curriculum at Princess Frederica
The documents below give an overview into what is taught and when in P4C. Please take some time to read the documents carefully to give you a better understanding of what is happening at school.
The documents below give an overview into what is taught and when in P4C. Please take some time to read the documents carefully to give you a better understanding of what is happening at school.
Parents and Carers
Parents and carers are encouraged to become actively involved in Philosophy For Children at school. Children take part in P4C every Monday from Year 1 to Year 6 so discussing learning at the end of the day and what the children debated is a good starting point for discussions. Annually, we also have a visit from Nick Chandley (Sapere) who runs sessions with children, teachers and parents to build on our knowledge. Parents and carers are encouraged to engage with these visits and to build an understanding of what children are doing at school and how this can be supported at home.
Parents and carers are encouraged to become actively involved in Philosophy For Children at school. Children take part in P4C every Monday from Year 1 to Year 6 so discussing learning at the end of the day and what the children debated is a good starting point for discussions. Annually, we also have a visit from Nick Chandley (Sapere) who runs sessions with children, teachers and parents to build on our knowledge. Parents and carers are encouraged to engage with these visits and to build an understanding of what children are doing at school and how this can be supported at home.
P4C and British Values
P4C specifically promotes the British values of democracy and mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith. The children learn practically about democracy through P4C as almost every session involves the class voting on which question they would most like to discuss. The weekly sessions enable children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence whilst encouraging respect for other people.
P4C specifically promotes the British values of democracy and mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith. The children learn practically about democracy through P4C as almost every session involves the class voting on which question they would most like to discuss. The weekly sessions enable children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence whilst encouraging respect for other people.
P4C Resources
P4C Book List
The book list below gives recommendations on books that lend themselves to philosophical questions. They tend to naturally steer readers towards particular issues and subjects and are great for starting philosophical enquiries. Some of the books are used in school as a stimulus for enquiry while others might not be. They're all a great way for parents and carers to start being philosophical with their children.
The book list below gives recommendations on books that lend themselves to philosophical questions. They tend to naturally steer readers towards particular issues and subjects and are great for starting philosophical enquiries. Some of the books are used in school as a stimulus for enquiry while others might not be. They're all a great way for parents and carers to start being philosophical with their children.
| p4c_book_list.pdf |
What Would You Rather Cards
These cards are sometimes used in class as a starter to P4C lessons. They can create some great philosophical thoughts. Part of the key to using these cards is our tendency to make assumptions. These cards are a great opportunity to explore assumptions with children and the importance of exploring all possibilities of meaning.
These cards are sometimes used in class as a starter to P4C lessons. They can create some great philosophical thoughts. Part of the key to using these cards is our tendency to make assumptions. These cards are a great opportunity to explore assumptions with children and the importance of exploring all possibilities of meaning.
| what_would_you_rather_cards.pdf |
What's the Big Idea?
Having conversations with children about various topics from science to money and from art to democracy helps form independent thought, carefully formed opinions and healthy debate. Follow the link below for some wonderful BBC radio and short videos to start off a philosophical discussion in your home.
Having conversations with children about various topics from science to money and from art to democracy helps form independent thought, carefully formed opinions and healthy debate. Follow the link below for some wonderful BBC radio and short videos to start off a philosophical discussion in your home.
