Young Philosophers get political at the Houses of Parliament

We took our Young Philosophers on their second trip of 2016-17, to the Palace of Westminster. A knowledgeable tour guide entertained us with gruesome history and factoids about the two Houses of Parliament and this elusive building where so many important decisions are made.  Afterwards we met with a local MP in an old meeting room within the palace walls to discuss the children's thoughts on some big questions...

Posted by on 6th March 2017 at 12:00am


Category: Philosophy, P4C

Tags: Young Philosophers, Politics

Two ways to develop children’s synoptic view of a conversation

Pete offers some insights on how to develop the child's 'synoptic view' of a conversation or dialogue in the classroom, with two simple techniques - inviting P4C practitioners to comment on their experiences of developing this part of children's philosophical maturity.

Posted by on 10th January 2017 at 12:00am


Category: Philosophy, P4C, Education

Tags: Socratic Circle, Dialectic

...Versus Thinking

Steve Hoggins, another longstanding TPF specialist tackles David's and Pete's arguments on teaching critical thinking in the classroom, offering an alternative suggestion for a 'curious' way of thinking that seeks to straddle the potential divide between increasing confidence and building the child's capacity to withstand critical challenges.

Posted by on 12th December 2016 at 12:00am


Category: Philosophy, P4C, Education

Tags: Critical Thinking, Philosophy in the classroom

Critical Thinking vs Confident Thinking

David Birch, a longstanding TPF philosophy specialist offers his thoughts on why it may be the case that teaching critical thinking in schools can go sour.  He suggests the most important thing is to replace the commonplace non-thinking happening in our classrooms with a positive form of thinking.  He advocates an idea of 'confident thinking' rather than 'critical thinking' as he sees how it can have a negative impact on young learners.

Posted by on 12th December 2016 at 12:00am


Category: Philosophy, P4C, Education

Tags: Critical Thinking, Philosophy in the classroom

Dialogues in philosophy with children

Pete offers some practical advice on how to use dialogues to do philosophy with children.  Utilising plays written with philosophy in mind by Paul Bodin, Tim Sprod and others he provides some comments on how this medium can act as a catalyst for enquiry and philosophical discussions.  You can find some examples of plays by following the links in the blog.  You will need to become a member of our website to see them - which you can do for free by clicking the link here: https://www.philosophy-foundation.org/become-a-member

Posted by on 7th November 2016 at 12:00am


Category: Philosophy, P4C, Education

Tags: dialogue, Socrates, role play