Little Big Minds
Little Big Minds
by Marietta McCarty
Published byTarcher / Penguin
Little Big Minds is a guide for any adult to take a child into the world of wonder and awe that is at the heart of philosophy. Children are natural philosophers, and Marietta McCarty discovered through her philosophy program for kids from kindergarten through eighth grade just how eager they are to explore ideas and to use clear thinking to understand and to improve their lives. The book draws on McCarty’s background both as a college professor of philosophy as well as over twenty years sitting in her circles with inquisitive, bouncing child philosophers. It gives the reader the desire and tools to engage in dialogue with kids about nature, justice, courage, time, and death, for example. The book quickly makes clear the positive effects of philosophizing as it sharpens critical thinking skills, and the practice of philosophy fosters empathy that leads to community involvement regardless of age.