Philosophy for Children

Learning by asking more and better questions and through facilitated collaborative dialogue in a Community of Philosophical Enquiry


P4C improves listening, speaking and thinking. It helps participants to generate challenging questions, think in concepts and argue with respect for reason and for others. It builds supportive community relationships and promotes meta-cognition.

In P4C, learners lead the questioning. A trained facilitator focuses enquiry and guides participants through a 10 step process. Key concepts are identified, analysed, challenged and developed through Socratic Dialogue. Learners share responsibility for quality through participating in a Community of Enquiry.


P4C training


Learn how to facilitate philosophical enquiry. Where P4C came from. How to plan an enquiry. What the four 'C' s of P4C are. What the value of P4C is. What makes a question philosophical. How to use warm up games. How P4C fits in school and beyond. What makes a good stimulus. How to develop dialogue in a community. How to monitor progress. How to find and develop resources.


Steve is a highly experienced SAPERE Level 1,2 and 3 trainer, now independently providing bespoke P4C training, mentoring, materials and support. For SAPERE validated provision, follow this link to SAPERE.


P4C INSET and CPD

One day, half day or twilight introductions to P4C by Steve Bramall, classroom practitioner, published philosopher and P4C enthusiast.


"Friendly, efficient & open - thoroughly enjoyable."

  • Participatory learning
  • Practical demonstrations and activities to use in class
  • Starter resources and signposts

"Brilliant - relaxed, approachable, professional."


What schools say about Steve's P4C

"...one child with severe physical difficulties has shown an amazing level of thinking skills, indicating that we may have underestimated her abilities in class!"  (Head Teacher)

'I have seen a marked improvement in the childrens' ability to listen to one another ... There is greater thought put into what they say .... children who were reluctant to join in class discussions are now more inclined to contribute.' (Year 6 Teacher)

What OFSTED says about SAPERE's P4C

P4C develops speaking and listening skills

The introduction of thinking skills' and ‘philosophy for children' ... make a significant contribution to their confidence to ask and answer questions, which enables them to make valued contributions during lessons.” Tweedmouth West First School - 2005

P4C improves behaviour

Children who would normally be reticent in lessons have been proactive in putting ideas forward. Speaking and listening skills and manners have rocketed in sessions. Children who address each other aggressively in a normal situation, intercede in a polite and compassionate way.” Hemlington Hall Primary School

P4C helps moral and social development

“The inclusion of philosophy contributes and directly impacts on pupils moral and social development and pupils capacity to become independent learners.” Scremerston First School - 2005


Enquiries

steve@philosophyineducation.com

get in touch via the contacts page