John Smith 
Talk, Thinking and Philosophy in the Primary Classroom 

Talk, thinking and philosophy are crucial components of children′s learning. This book is a practical and readable guide to the ways in which teachers can provide children with the opportunities to develop and use these skills to their greatest effect. It begins by asking why talking and thinking should be taught and examines current approaches in this area. It goes on to look at how teachers can develop talking and thinking skills across the six Areas of Learning to help children gain confidence and deepen understanding.

Table of Content

Introduction

Why teach talk, thinking and philosophy?

Talk theory

Thinking and philosophy theory

Classroom strategies to develop talk

Classroom strategies to develop thinking and philosophy

Talk, thinking and philosophy in the primary curriculum

Developing a Thinking School

About the author

John Smith is Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Education where he teaches Mathematics Education and Thinking Skills on ITE and CPD courses. He began his teaching career as a teacher of English and communication skills to adults before moving into primary education. For many years he was a class teacher and subject coordinator in a primary school before becoming a teacher educator. He is a Sapere Philosophy for Children trainer and has also been trained in many of the other approaches described within this book.