P4C at Friars
Philosophy for Children (P4C) was devised for 6-16 year olds by Professor Matthew Lipman and has been developed over 35 years. Research shows how using P4C regularly with children improves behaviour, motivation and learning. It helps children develop their social, emotional and cognitive skills.
Philosophy for children (P4C) consists of presenting children with a stimulus which might be a picture, a poem, a story, an event etc and then the children engage in what is known as “Socratic dialogue” to deepen their understanding of the stimulus but ultimately of themselves and the world around them. It is taught discretely and as part of other subjects.
P4C is used to challenge pupils and staff to think and question more deeply. It allows children to discuss creatively and openly about their thoughts and feelings within a safe community of enquiry.
Skills P4C develops across the curriculum:
- Learning to learn
- Developing speaking and listening
- Questioning skills
- Respect for other opinions
- Reasoning skills
- Turn taking
- Linking ideas and making connections
- Democracy – voting for questions
- Taking risks
A community of enquiry is established when the children are given a stimulus to consider. From this, themes and ideas are discussed and philosophical questions are created. Children then vote and decide which question they would like to investigate further through a facilitated discussion. Children are encouraged to listen, consider and reflect on the enquiry.