Big Ideas for Little Kids: Teaching Philosophy through Children's Literature

(Hardback, Second Edition)

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Big 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. Wartenberg also gives advice on how to construct a "learner-centered" classroom, in which children discuss philosophical issues with one another as they respond to open-ended questions by saying whether they agree or disagree with what others have said.

Reviews

I love this approach to teaching philosophy and use Thomas Wartenbergs 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 Wartenbergs excellent website: www.teachingchildrenphilosophy.org. -- Jean Bews, St. Leonards Primary School, Shropshire UK (SAPERE award-winning school)
Elementary school teachers will welcome this new edition of Tom Wartenbergs beginners guide for using picture books to engage children in philosophical discussion. Introductions to the philosophy behind classics of childrens literature are accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions and sound practical advicejust what is needed to get successfully under way. -- Dr. Philip Cam, president, The Federation of Australasian Philosophy for Childrens Associations

Author Bio

Thomas E. Wartenberg is professor of philosophy at Mount Holyoke College and has been working with teachers on teaching philosophy for children for over a decade. He is a member of the American Philosophical Association Committee on Precollege Instruction in Philosophy. Among his other books are Existentialism and Thinking on Screen.