Stories for thinking‐‐the Philosophy in Primary Schools (PIPS) project∗

∗An account of research into the use of stories for developing thinking skills through philosophy with young children in primary schools

Abstract

Stories have long been seen as a natural stimulus for discussion and investigation in primary schools. The focus of this paper is to show ways that stories can be used to generate philosophical discussion and so develop the thinking and literacy skills of primary children (Years 1‐6). Lessons using philosophy with children have been given in a number of primary schools in the London area during 1993/94 as part of a continuing programme of research at the Centre for Thinking Skills into Cognitive Enrichment in the Early Years. The paper charts a theoretical background for the research, and draws on findings from the project to show how stories can be used to generate higher order thinking and language learning in young children.

∗An account of research into the use of stories for developing thinking skills through philosophy with young children in primary schools

Key words:

• Philosophy
• primary schools
• thinking skills
• stories

Notes

∗An account of research into the use of stories for developing thinking skills through philosophy with young children in primary schools