Philosophy 4 Children
Philosophy for Children offers a way to open up children’s learning through inquiry and the exploration of ideas. Children learn that their ideas have value, and that the ideas of other children have value too. Through Philosophy for Children they realise that they don’t always have to be right, but they gain the confidence to ask questions and learn through discussion.
Benefits for Children
- Children see that their ideas have value, and that others have different ideas that have value too.
- They realise that they don’t always have to be right.
- They have the confidence to ask questions and learn through discussion.
- Everyone has the opportunity to be involved.
- A chance to speak and be heard without fear of getting an answer wrong.
- Gives all children a voice and a chance to flourish.
- Gives all children a chance to think outside the box and that everyone can have inspiring ideas.
St. Stephen's have achieved the bronze award
Why is it important?
Philosophy 4 Children has so many benefits for children in so many different ways, these include:
- Learning to think before they speak and give reasons for what they say.
- To value their views and the views of others.
- Listening and reasoning skills
- Lots of ideas for creative writing.
- Affects personal skills, and behaviour in the playground.
- Develops skills necessary for positions of responsibility (school council, worship leaders etc).
How does it work at St. Stephen's?
- The session starts with a stimulus which could be a question, an object or a newspaper article.
- Children are encouraged to use their imagination to ask a question based on wonderment (I wonder why…?).
- The children decide together on the question they are most interested in.
- The discussion starts and is guided by the children’s thoughts and ideas, agreeing and disagreeing, but always giving a reason for their point of view.
