LITTLE BIG MINDS: Sharing Philosophy with Kids
One Session $30
Thursday, May 15
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Marietta McCarty
At the point we’re going to press, this amazing book has been at #15 on the New York Times Extended Best Seller list, and publishers in Taiwan and Italy have bought rights for release in those countries in 2008! Children are natural philosophers, as the author, Marietta McCarty discovered through her philosophy program for kids from kindergarten through eighth grade. These are minds eager to explore ideas and to understand their world better. The book draws on Ms. McCarty’s background both as a college professor of philosophy as well as over 15 years of sitting in a circle with inquisitive, bouncing child philosophers. The book gives the tools and desire to engage in dialog with kids about friendships, justice, compassion, and death, for example, and involves using art, music, poetry and literature to enhance the philosophical perspective – through these vehicles, we’re sharing the world of ideas with children. It makes clear the positive effects of philosophizing as it enhances critical thinking skills and encourages acceptance and community involvement, regardless of any age. Little Big Minds is being used in pre-schools all the way through upper school – the perennial questions remain, the approach is adjustable and the concept is flexible. Our evening with the author will be interactive, and is directed towards teachers, parents, grandparents, coaches, scout leaders and adults who have a child they care for in their life, and the discussions benefit adults as well as the children we love. This is your guide to philosophize with children – Marietta is an amazing writer and speaker, and also lot of fun - and this evening will be an entertaining get together, full of positive paths for working with children of all ages. Little Big Minds examines philosophy from a multicultural perspective, broadening children’s appreciation of a big world while encouraging their curiosity and delight in good questions and rich conversation. Come join us on this special evening – you’re in for a very special good time!
NOTE: Books will be available for purchase this evening.
Marietta McCarty is assistant professor of philosophy at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville, Virginia. She has brought philosophy to children in rural, suburban and city school in the central Virginia area for over 15 years, as well as schools around the U.S. She grew up in Richmond and graduated from Hollins College, with a Phi Betta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude graduate in philosophy with her actual lifelong goal that of becoming a major league baseball player. She received her masters in philosophy from the University of Virginia.Marietta’s conviction that child philosophers will grow up to work lovingly for peace is the inspiration for this book.
CREATIVE WRITING CAMP
For ages 8 – 12
One one-week program $195
Monday through Friday, June 23 - 27
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Leslie Goetsch
Tell your stories and express your imagination through poetry and prose. In this one-week experience, you will write poems, getting ideas on structure and topics from selected poets. You will also develop prose story telling by writing a fairy tale, reading some selected tales to use as models. This is a course for children who like to write and want the opportunity to focus on your writing; we will establish a writing workshop atmosphere, rather than that of a structured classroom. There will be time to write in class and to share your writing. The teacher will serve as the coach, offering inspiration and guidance, as well as conferencing with you individually on your work. We will look forward to an event at the end of the week to celebrate each child.
Leslie Goetsch is the English Department Chair at Roland Park Country School. Her first novel “Back Creek” was recently published and she is currently working on a “coming-of-middle-age” novel.
IMAGINATION AND OBSERVATION: Drawing and Painting
For grades 2 through 5 $175
One two-week program
Monday through Friday, June 16 - 20
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Megary Sigler
Paint a self portrait using crazy colors! Draw from a model and then add your own imaginary wallpaper and furniture! Draw an object from observation and then change it into something extraordinary! Use photographs as guides to make an ocean watercolor painting full of underwater beasts! In an encouraging and relaxed atmosphere, young artists have the opportunity to sharpen their observational drawing and painting skills, while exercising their imaginations, expressing themselves and having fun. The course will culminate in an art show for the artists and their families and guests.
Megary Sigler is the Middle School Art Teacher at Roland Park Country School. To register, call Kaleidoscope at 410/323-5500, ext. 3045.
CLAY CAMP
For ages 8 - 13
Two one-week programs for you to choose from: $125
Monday through Friday, July 7 – 11 Materials fee $30
Monday through Friday, August 11 – 15
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Jillian DiPasquale
Get your hands dirty! This Camp brings out your creative spirit and the pieces you imagine in your held will soon be made out of clay. You will learn how to hand-build a ceramic piece and apply glaze. We will take a day trip to the Sculpture Garden at the Baltimore Museum of Art to see how sculpture beautifies our world.
NOTE: Materials fee is payable to Instructor on the first day of class.
Jillian DiPasquale, 2009 is an Upper School Student at Roland Park Country School.