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.
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.
List of Tables
List of Figures
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the First Edition
Part 1: Teaching Philosophy in Elementary Schools
Natural-Born Philosophers
How I Became a Children’s Philosophy Teacher
Learner-Centered Teaching
The “Game” of Philosophy
Part 2: Preparing to Teach
The Elementary-School Introduction to Philosophy Course
Preparing for a Philosophy Discussion: The Discussion Framework
Facilitating a Philosophical Discussion
Deepening and Extending the Discussion
Part 3: The Stories
“Dragons and Giants”: Teaching Ethics
Frederick: Teaching Social and Political Philosophy
The Important Book: Teaching Metaphysics
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Teaching the Philosophy of Mind
The Giving Tree: Teaching Environmental Philosophy
Morris the Moose: Teaching Logic
Many Moons: Teaching Epistemology
Knuffle Bunny: Teaching the Philosophy of Language
Emily’s Art: Teaching Aesthetics
Part 4: Implications
A Sample Discussion of The Giving Tree
Conclusion
Appendix
References
I 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. — Philip Cam, president, The Federation of Australasian Philosophy for Children’s Associations; Honorary Associate Professor, University of New South Wales
