Children as Philosophers : Learning through Enquiry and Dialogue in the Primary Classroom

There is a growing interest in philosophy with children, based on the belief that philosophy not only enhances children’s speaking, listening, reading and thinking but also promotes independence of mind and spirit, benefiting the children, their teachers and the school as a whole. This accessible book balances an exploration of the theoretical and critical considerations of using philosophy in the classroom with real examples of children working as philosophers. Based on research by the author in a primary school, and full of practical suggestions for teachers, it demonstrates that, from a young age, children are capable of engaging in a sophisticated process of dialogue and enquiry and argues that they should have space and time to do so. This book is the ideal starting point for teachers interested in bringing philosophy into their classroom. It is full of useful ideas for sparking off philosophical discussions, and includes helpful resources and contacts.