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

"Children as Philosophers" discusses the interesting and topical premise of the development of a philosophical educational foundation for children's thinking at an early age. It argues for the right of a child to review ideas and express their beliefs in dialogue with others. This broadens a child's thinking, speaking and listening skills across the whole curriculum. The book offers a structure for moral enquiry within the PSHE/Citizenship curriculum. It discusses the pleasures and challenges for adults in managing open-ended classroom discussion and facing children's claims to knowledge in the philosophical arena. The author illustrates, with the aid of case studies, the content of a social and moral curriculum, the role of the teacher and the development of disciplined enquiry as an essential component in schooling. The book addresses the worldwide movement known as "Philosophy for Children", developed in the USA and Australia but put into a UK context.