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 Schools1.Natural-Born Philosophers2.How I Became a Children’s Philosophy Teacher3.Learner-Centered Teaching4.The “Game” of PhilosophyPart 2: Preparing to Teach5.The Elementary-School Introduction to Philosophy Course6.Preparing for a Philosophy Discussion: The Discussion Framework7.Facilitating a Philosophical Discussion8.Deepening and Extending the DiscussionPart 3: The Stories9.“Dragons and Giants”: Teaching Ethics10.Frederick: Teaching Social and Political Philosophy11.The Important Book: Teaching Metaphysics12. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Teaching the Philosophy of Mind13.The Giving Tree: Teaching Environmental Philosophy14.Morris the Moose: Teaching Logic15.Many Moons: Teaching Epistemology16.Knuffle Bunny: Teaching the Philosophy of Language17.Emily’s Art: Teaching AestheticsPart 4: Implications18.A Sample Discussion of The Giving Tree 19.ConclusionAppendixReferences

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.