Philosophy4Children Blog: January 2009

Norfolk children debating in the Forum, Norwich

Dot Lenton on 19 January 2009 at 14:01

Looking at some pictures, I happened to come across photographs of our children demonstrating their philosophical debating skills to the general public in the Forum, Norwich. It was part of an exciting week when children from Norfolk schools shared their creative learning ideas. Our children debated for over an hour and were so focused that they were oblivious to the people watching them, and could have gone on for much longer.

Enthusiasm for the Head Teachers' Conference

Barbara Vidion on 13 January 2009 at 18:01

Dot and I are excited at the enthusiastic response we have had to the Head Teachers' Conference on February 3rd. Bookings are coming in from Norwich head teachers - we have even had enquiries from London and the Midlands! We plan to repeat the event in the near future in the south of the county and in the Yarmouth area. If there is a lot of enthusiasm for introducing philosophy in your area, please do get in touch and we will try to organise a session near you.

Book Review

Barbara Vidion on 6 January 2009 at 12:01

Philosophy With Young Children – a Classroom Handbook by Philip Cam et al

ISBN 978-1-875864-56

Published by ACSA (Australian Curriculm Studies Association)

It is wonderfully refreshing and exciting to know that around the world children are engaged with philosophical enquiry. In Buranda State Primary School in Australia philosophy underpins the whole school ethos. From their commitment has come this excellent book packed full of ideas and practical work.

The book is structured and clearly set out in three section. The first looks at the discipline of philosophy and what philosophy means for children. The next section recommends 12 books suitable for philosophy in a primary school and looks in detail at focus themes, with activities to develop children's skills. Finally there is more practical work to elicit good questions and encourage conceptual understanding.

The ideas and ways of working with children outlined in this book are entirely in line with the way we work at Philosophy4children. Commitment to developing children's critical thinking and exploring issues and ideas at a very deep level is the core of philosophical enquiry.

There is one huge problem however – as it is published in Australia, the book does not appear to be available yet in the UK or on Amazon. But keep an eye out for it when it is finally available.