ABSTRACT
The chapter discusses the classroom activities of children in a community of enquiry. Philosophical discussion sessions follow a certain protocol; a number of stages that build up to the enquiry proper, incorporating what Matthew Lipman calls 'the spirit of enquiry', the ethos or attitude of all participants as they explore each others' ideas. If teachers have yet to launch their first philosophy session then their advice is simply to relax and enjoy it. The complexities of running enquiries mean that most probably nobody gets it all right first time round. A community of enquiry evolves over time, and that includes the confidence and expertise of the facilitator. As a first step, let the children do the thinking work while teacher guide them with a light touch. As an introduction to the session proper teacher can spend a few minutes on 'mind warm-ups' with the class.
