In Year One’s Philosophy for Children (P4C) lessons, one of the most engaging and thoughtful topics they have tackled recently has been friendship. This led to discussions about kindness and teamwork where the young minds were encouraged to ask profound questions like, “Does it matter if you are only kind to your friends?” and “Can you be friends with someone you don’t agree with?”
The children were fascinated by the idea that friendship is not just about spending time together but also about trust, loyalty, and understanding. Some questioned whether a friendship could exist at all without qualities such as teamwork, while others explored the differences between friendship and other types of relationships e.g. family members.
Through open-ended questions and group dialogue, the children debated whether all friendships are equal, whether it’s okay to have “best” friends, and if friendship requires us to always tell the truth. These discussions helped foster critical thinking skills, empathy, and self-reflection — skills that are key in building and understanding meaningful connections in life.
By the end of this term, the students will have developed a deeper understanding of what friendship means to them, and how to engage in thoughtful, respectful conversations about complex ideas — an invaluable skill that extends far beyond the classroom.