Philosophy for Children has been offering schoolchildren the opportunity to engage with philosophical ideas since the 1970s. It is a simple idea, already used in schools in Britain and around the world. Children share some reading--or other stimulus--with their teacher. They then devise their own questions, choose one that interests them, and, with the teacher's support, discuss it. The teacher's job is to encourage children to respect others' views, question their own assumptions and develop opinions that are supported by argument. It was hard going at first because Philosophy for Children was unheard of in North Tyneside schools. But, gradually, momentum built up, with critical support from the local authority. Age Concern North Tyneside had the idea of running sessions with older people mentoring the children. It's been a huge success, benefiting both the children and the volunteers, and encouraging each to see the other in a different light.