What is P4C?

Philosophy for Children (P4C) helps children to develop their own thinking and opinions through philosophical discussion with other children.

The method requires participants to reason and explain their thinking, to listen and to build on the ideas of others. This happens within a Community of Enquiry in the classroom.

The children sit in a circle with a facilitator. The facilitator's role is to help the children uncover the philosophical in the issues that they discuss. In this way, the teacher is an enabler and not a 'font of knowledge'. The children lead the dialogue, steering it in the direction they choose. The facilitator asks questions to enable the children to enquire more deeply and challenge their assumptions.

For more information on P4C visit the Sapere website www.sapere.org.uk

How can it support Global Citizenship?

P4C develops skills and attitudes associated with Global Citizenship such as: open-mindedness, critical thinking, listening, respect, co-operation, empathy and the ability to give reasons for an opinion.

P4C can help children to think rigorously about controversial global issues which may arise in the curriculum.

P4C allows children to develop their own personal opinions based on gathering and hearing of evidence from a range of sources about an issue. This is essential before they can participate genuinely in action for change.

Poster designed by a pupil of Dobcroft Junior School

Intro | Project | Dobcroft J | Stimuli | Recommended Reading | Training