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Big Ideas for Little Kids: Teaching Philosophy Through Picture Books

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BIG IDEAS FOR LITTLE KIDS documents classes conducted at Martin Luther King Charter School by students at Mount Holyoke College under the guidance of Philosophy Professor Thomas Wartenberg and President Lynn Pasquerella. The goal of Wartenberg and Pasquerella's unique class is to give children an opportunity to pursue their natural curiosity and inclination for philosophy. Philosophy is not usually part of a second-grade curriculum, yet this documentary accompanies a group of college students who lead a series of philosophy classes for six- and seven-year olds. The students learn some of the basic rules for having philosophical discussion, from what it means to be a listener who respects differences in opinion to how to build a strong argument when making a point. These youngsters are excited to be asked not only what they think, but why. In their curriculum, picture books become catalysts for philosophical discussion and an effective way to foster critical thinking skills as well as lifelong love of reading.

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