Little Big Minds: Sharing Philosophy with Kids

What a sad sad world we live in when teaching kids to think about their world and reality from a philosophical point of view is considered a new and great idea. The author was on NPR this morning and I found her to be incredibly intelligent and thoughtful. I hope she can get her program or a version of it instituted in all of our schools. The fact that she is turning people on to thinking and that teachers and parents seem to be responding enthusiastically gives me at least a little hope for the future. I don't even have kids yet, and I find this book uplifting and entertaining.

Despite the old saying "You cannot judge a book by its cover," the reader will immediately be attracted to Little Big Minds because of its appearance. The child on the front captivates your attention; the Greek writing on the authentic chalkboard tempts you to decipher what's inside; and delving into all the pages between the cover results in a quest to know more, do more, BE more. When I first discovered this book, just days after its release, I knew that I wanted to teach philosophy to students of my own, as soon as possible. I was inspired by the content of the book, the anecdotes sprinkled throughout the text, and the sheer passion with which this book was written. Marietta McCarty's book makes it possible for anyone to teach philosophy to children. Using her work as a springboard for my own ideas, I created a two-week plan to teach philosophy to students at the University of Virginia's Summer Enrichment Program. The book is quite literally a how-to on teaching philosophy. It is filled with discussion questions, resources, exercises, teaching tips and suggestions, and is structured very much like a well-written lesson plan. A wide variety of topics are addressed, including happiness; courage; freedom; responsibility; love; death; prejudice; justice; and many others. Students can learn to engage in meditation, thoughtful and meaningful discussion, and to develop introspection. Philosophers ranging from Socrates to Sartre are introduced and included in a way that makes them very accessible to young minds. Connections are made to art, music, poetry, and other great works. Perhaps most striking is that talking about philosophy, teaching philosophy, and practicing philosophy can truly shape or even change our everyday lives; Little Big Minds shows us exactly how to make it happen. Quite simply, this book is an inspiration, a must-have, one that grabs your attention from the moment you see it and leaves you thinking about it long after you have finished reading it.

This book offers a gentle approach for all ages to discussions on humanity's large themes. Each chapter explores a topic, such as friendship, courage, compassion, death, prejudice and love, with two philosophers featured per subject. I love that the philosophers discussed came from a variety of cultures, religions, and centuries, and that they represent both genders. For any adult who needs a refresher on, or introduction to, philosophy; this is the book for you! And, should the reader wish to delve deeper, each chapter ends with a generous bibliography and list of poetry and music and such that reflect the themes and can stimulate discussions with children. My favorite sequences in the book were the children's remarks from what sound to be engaging class discussions. McCarty offers anecdotes and quotations and observations that made me smile, laugh, and also be deeply moved. These discussions yield the sorts of lessons that I'd want my child to remember; how to grow into a thoughtful, thinking, and feeling person.

Wow! This book challenges us all to use our big minds to chew on the thought-provoking topics contained. Thank goodness for chapters! Each one is worthy of stimulating conversations- and the meaty discussion questions that are offered are a great place to begin. This is a read-out-loud type of book, one to be marked up and ruminated upon. The implications for teaching critical thinking skills for children are staggering. Adults, be prepared for mind-stretching responses from the little big minds. For children and adults alike, we need this book. The potential for lively dialogue amongst people of all ages abounds.

This is not the sort of book I would normally buy...a friend gave it to me to read... from reading it I came to realize a bigger picture. Imagine the possibilities of a kinder gentler more thoughtful world. These little minds taught me to see in a better way. Teacher and parents will want to get this book into the school curriculum asap! Tax $$ put to good use on this endeavor. I can see a 12 year course built around this one. WIsh it were available when my kids were in school. A thought provoking and fun read too. RTL