Philosophy for Children Introductory Workshops

Philosophy for Children Introductory Workshops

Philosophy for Children Introductory Workshops

(Approved by the Federation of Australasian Philosophy in Schools Associations)

2018: Christchurch March 2/3,

Auckland March 17/24, Wellington May 11/12

$270 per person ($160 student/unwaged)

Develop critical thinking and community

Assist your students to ask and explore the big questions

Improve outcomes in reading and mathematics

Course content
This two day practical and experiential workshop enables teachers to begin facilitating philosophical inquiry in the classroom. Participants will be involved in "communities of inquiry" in the same way that their students would be, and a variety of processes will be modeled. Practical pedagogy sessions will cover the following topics: the nature of the community of inquiry, the role of the facilitator, techniques for developing philosophical skills and making inquiry more rigorous, using exercises and discussion plans, keeping the discussion philosophical, planning and evaluating sessions and a survey of available resources. Federation of Australasian Philosophy in Schools Associations Level One assessment and certification is available to all participants of this workshop (Cost: $35).

For more information, and to register, go to the

“Events and Workshops” page at

For further information, see the “About P4C” and “Professional Development” pages at or email Vanya Kovach:

10 Reasons to introduce Philosophy for Children (P4C) in your classroom

  1. P4C encourages creative and critical exploration of the “big questions” about truth, goodness, friendship, possibility, knowledge, justice, beauty, mind, meaning, responsibility, reason, freedom, reality, language, rights….
  1. Inquiry is student directed, and develops self-responsibility, reflectiveness, and a wide range of thinking and meta-cognitive skills.
  1. Mounting international research shows P4C results in significant gains in so many areas that are identified as needed by New Zealand children…

Critical reasoning

Reading

Mathematics

Concentration

Collaboration

Self esteem

Participation

Persistence

Reduction in bullying

Communication and interpersonal relationships

  1. UK research in 2015 showed that one session of philosophical inquiry per week resulted in gains in reading and mathematics equivalent to two extra months instruction!
  1. P4C produces the greatest benefits forlow and middle ability students.
  1. P4C is conducted in a primarily oral and collaborative “community of inquiry”, which makes it attractive to many students, including Maori and Pasifika students
  1. Australian evidence shows that students who do P4C can perform very well indeed in national standards testing, without any “teaching to the standards”.
  1. P4C develops all of the Key Competencies set out in the New Zealand Curriculum
  1. Participation in philosophical communities of inquiry develops respect, tolerance, open mindedness, and both rigour in inquiry and care for others – a perfect recipe for citizenship.
  1. Students of all ages just love it!
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