We've divided this page into 3 types of resource, all carefully selected from our Philosophy Circles Primary Curriculum Pack.
Thinkers' Games: Physical activities to kick off discussions. Everyone shows their thinking at once by committing to moving themselves, or some stuff, and then justifying their choices. Excellent for first time P4C'ers (adults and children!)
Spot and Stripe: 1 minute videos in which we start a debate, and hand it over to the children to argue out!
Session Plans: 30 minute sessions to embed P4C into your curriculum. Each plan follows the Philosophy Circles method to get maximum thinking with minimum teacher-effort!
Thinkers' Games
Philosopher's Fruit Salad: Is it better to be a child or an adult?
Swap places if you think…
Children swap places across the circle to show their response to this list of questions, from traditional philosophy to more quirky and playful ideas. Download here.
In the Naughtyometer, each group of players arranges their set of cards from most to least naughty.
In groups, they rank the sheets from most to least naughty. Most of the cards are paired to bring out dialogue about particular concepts. After each group has committed to a decision, they can ask each other questions about their choices. Download here.
What's the opposite of cheese? The aim of these games is to energise, relax, promote spontaneous creativity, and combat fear of getting it wrong. Thinking of the reasons for the answer you shouted afterwards can lead to interesting thinking! Download here.
Enjoyed using these with your classes?
For 38 games that make thinking physical, buy a copy Jason's Thinkers' Games mini-book- available for £2.50 from our Shop.
Spot and Stripe
Spot and Stripe love to argue about juicy questions, and they invite KS1 to carry on the discussions!
To use with your pupils, simply press play. When it finishes, get the children to stand on the side of the character they agree with, and continue the argument with someone from the other side. Ask for some to give their ideas to the class, and see if anyone changes their minds.
The full set of 40 videos (plus 60 more for EYFS&KS2!), and further support on how to use them, are included in our Primary Curriculum Pack
Curriculum-Based Session Plans
Each of our session plans follow the Philosophy Circles method: Get Moving, reach a Y-Question, and Take a Back Seat.Â
The plans below come from our Philosophy Circles Primary Curriculum Pack - where you'll find over 160 plans for every subject in the curriculum.
English
 Traditional Tales
Just as flour is needed to make a cake, what ingredients are needed for a Traditional Tale?
Maths
The Numbers Strike
Exploring the consequences of numbers downing tools!
Science
Tame or Wild?
An enquiry that begins with some rabbit role-play, leading to questions about freedom and safety.
History
The Last Command of the King
A collaborative enquiry that requires pupils to elect a new leader. How will they choose?
Computing
Could a robot replace...
Created by teachers on one of our open courses to in with their current topic: Which jobs could be replaced by a robot?
PSHE
The Owl and the Magpie
A very short story to hint at two "world philosophies" - contentment vs. consumerism, adapted for KS1!
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