Full Description
This book provides justification and instruction for exploring philosophy with children, especially by using picture books to initiate philosophical discussion. By demonstrating to teachers, and others that picture books often embed philosophical issues into their narratives, and that this makes picture books a natural place to go to help young children investigate philosophical issues, the author offers a straightforward approach to engaging young students. In particular, this volume highlights how philosophical dialogue enhances children's sense of self, provides a safe space for the discussion of issues that they are confronted with in living their lives, and develops an admirable method for resolving conflict that the children can use in other contexts.
Contents
Preface; 1. Introduction; Part I: The Case for Philosophy for/with Children; 2. Why Teach Children Philosophy?; 3. The Role of Wonder in Childhood; Part II: Why Picture Books?; 4. The Uses and Limitations of Philosophical Novels; 5. The Advantages of Picture Books; 6. How Picture Books Actually Philosophize; Part III: Issues about Facilitating Picture-Book Philosophy Discussions; 7. How Someone Who Doesn't Already Know Philosophy Can Teach It; 8. Using Picture Books to Discuss Racial Issues; 9. How to Facilitate Discussions of Books with Morals; 10. Conclusion; Appendix: Glossary of Philosophical Terms and Names of Philosophers; Bibliography/Works Cited; Index
