Philosophy for Children (P4C)
The aims of P4C
P4C values independence of mind, learning through participation and co-operation and democratic decision-making. It promotes critical, creative and caring thinking through its distinctive approach to collaborative and reflective dialogue, whose roots lie in the Socratic method.
For more information, please see SAPERE, the Society for Advancement of Philosophical Enquiry and Reflection in Education.
P4C Practice
- Choice of materials to stimulate enquiry - stories, articles, images, objects, music
- Community of enquiry - a cyclical process of questioning, building on each others' ideas, reflection and review
- Facilitator - enabling participants to express ideas, get greater clarity, explore a wide range of possible answers to questions, to express reasons for their beliefs and theories.
Sessions in Schools
- Introduction to P4C for school staff
- Weekly 1-hour P4C sessions
- After-school philosophy clubs
Clare is a SAPERE trained Philosophy for Children facilitator.