Big Philosophy for Little Kids: An Affective Curriculum While Learning to Write

Big Philosophy for Little Kids teaches writing and language arts skills while academically considering traditional and universal wisdoms in "affective" areas. Affective education includes emotional fluency, character education, social intelligence and moral clarity. This multi-cultural, standards-based curriculum had been designed to raise test scores as it provides teachers with an exciting writing program which strengthens the children both academically and affectively. This instruction is primarily a writing program, easily adapted to grades 2-6+; one integrated with reading and comprehension skills, vocabulary development, word analysis, and a wide range of affective issues and social studies. It has been used in the public and private sectors for over 20 years in a variety of socio-economic cultures. Children everywhere love this.The matter of affective education is so emotional that it is especially important that we clarify the character issues that strengthen our children's emotional intelligence. Social values such as respect, trustworthiness, caring, civility, and service are of obvious importance. But it is worth noting that these social and moral codes of conduct are built upon (and empowered by) personal strengths. In this course of affective appreciations, social values are found at the end in "Service Heroes'. This interpersonal finale completes the personal building blocks. Thus, Core Stories serve:* the ability to focus and the wisdom of failure,* the difference between short-term and long-term happiness, * the need and usefulness of self-knowledge and restraint,* the inspirational play of breath and feeling,* service heroes and the joy of community.Growing attention. Brief and lasting happiness. The value of self-awareness. Inspiration. The joy of service. You find one (or all) of these themes in almost every story and moral you hear. On the basis of wisdom rather than behavior modification, our social values naturally flourish. Plant these seeds, cultivate these themes until they are harvested in true understanding, and we will gift the generations.For over a quarter century, Frank Marrero taught in the San Francisco Bay area, from inner city public schools to private ashrams, from kindergarten helper to university lecturer. His focus all the while has been in developing curricula to nurture and develop affective strengths (including character education, emotional fluency, moral values, and self-awareness) in addition to academic rigor. His works have been lauded in superlatives by scholars, educators, parents, and children. He holds a Masters in the Arts of Teaching, and also taught in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at John F. Kennedy University.