P4C pocketbook

Philosophy for Children (P4C) was conceived by Professor Matthew Lipman in the late 1960s.

It encourages children to develop their own way of thinking about the world and aims to help them 'become more thoughtful, more reflective, more considerate and more reasonable individuals'.

A recent study in Scottish primary schools concluded that one hour of philosophical enquiry each week can promote development in cognitive ability; development in critical reasoning skills and dialogue in the classroom; emotional and social development. This cartoon-illustrated Pocketbook provides a practical introduction to P4C in the classroom.

Using real classroom examples, it explains how teachers can engage, support and facilitate students across the age range in philosophical enquiry.

It outlines a ten-step process from building a community of enquiry and presenting a stimulus; through thinking time, question-making question-airing and question-choosing; and on to collaborative exploration and review.

Chapters are devoted to defining P4C, choosing a stimulus, questions, the Socratic Method, facilitating and review.

A final section contains a broad range of training and classroom-ready resources. The text is supported by helpful tables and graphics throughout.

Authors Barry Hymer and Roger Sutcliffe are both well respected in the P4C field.

Both have taught in UK schools and both now train teachers.

Barry who also trained and practised as an educational psychologist, is visiting professor of education at the University of Cumbria and director of the education consultancy Still Thinking UK Ltd .

Roger is a founder member and president of SAPERE, and author of The Philosophy Club.