Big Ideas for Little Kids

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 TablesList of FiguresPreface to the Second EditionPreface to the First EditionPart 1: Teaching Philosophy in Elementary SchoolsNatural-Born PhilosophersHow I Became a Children’s Philosophy TeacherLearner-Centered TeachingThe “Game” of PhilosophyPart 2: Preparing to TeachThe Elementary-School Introduction to Philosophy CoursePreparing for a Philosophy Discussion: The Discussion FrameworkFacilitating a Philosophical DiscussionDeepening and Extending the DiscussionPart 3: The Stories“Dragons and Giants”: Teaching EthicsFrederick: Teaching Social and Political PhilosophyThe Important Book: Teaching MetaphysicsThe Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Teaching the Philosophy of MindThe Giving Tree: Teaching Environmental PhilosophyMorris the Moose: Teaching LogicMany Moons: Teaching EpistemologyKnuffle Bunny: Teaching the Philosophy of LanguageEmily’s Art: Teaching AestheticsPart 4: ImplicationsA Sample Discussion of The Giving TreeConclusionAppendixReferences

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.