Description
Book SynopsisBig Ideas for Little Kids includes everything a teacher, a parent, or a college student needs to teach philosophy to elementary school children from picture books. Written in a clear and accessible style, the book explains why it is important to allow young children access to philosophy during primary-school education.
Trade ReviewI love this approach to teaching philosophy and use Thomas Wartenberg’s materials regularly in my philosophy classes. I used the first edition right from publication, and now am pleased to see a new edition out – this time with three intended audiences – teachers, students, and parents. The key words exciting, enriching and insightful are emphasized – and whether you are a teacher, student, or parent, be prepared to get a ‘buzz’ out of talking philosophically with your child or children using these carefully chosen stories, mainly in the form of picture books. There are many more creative and original ideas and suggestions for developing stories both in the book and on Wartenberg’s excellent website: www.teachingchildrenphilosophy.org. -- Jean Bews, St. Leonard’s Primary School, Shropshire UK (SAPERE award-winning school)
Elementary school teachers will welcome this new edition of Tom Wartenberg’s beginner’s guide for using picture books to engage children in philosophical discussion. Introductions to the philosophy behind classics of children’s literature are accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions and sound practical advice — just what is needed to get successfully under way. -- Dr. Philip Cam, president, The Federation of Australasian Philosophy for Children’s Associations
Table of ContentsList of Tables List of Figures Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the First Edition Part 1: Teaching Philosophy in Elementary Schools 1.Natural-Born Philosophers 2.How I Became a Children’s Philosophy Teacher 3.Learner-Centered Teaching 4.The “Game” of Philosophy Part 2: Preparing to Teach 5.The Elementary-School Introduction to Philosophy Course 6.Preparing for a Philosophy Discussion: The Discussion Framework 7.Facilitating a Philosophical Discussion 8.Deepening and Extending the Discussion Part 3: The Stories 9.“Dragons and Giants”: Teaching Ethics 10.Frederick: Teaching Social and Political Philosophy 11.The Important Book: Teaching Metaphysics 12. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Teaching the Philosophy of Mind 13.The Giving Tree: Teaching Environmental Philosophy 14.Morris the Moose: Teaching Logic 15.Many Moons: Teaching Epistemology 16.Knuffle Bunny: Teaching the Philosophy of Language 17.Emily’s Art: Teaching Aesthetics Part 4: Implications 18.A Sample Discussion of The Giving Tree 19.Conclusion Appendix References
