The Daily Dad Roosevelt Montas on Teaching the Classics to Kids
Apr 30, 2022
Roosevelt Montas, Director of the Freedom and Citizenship Program at Columbia University and author of "Rescuing Socrates," shares his insights on making classic literature engaging for children. He emphasizes how these timeless texts resonate with our humanity and can spark curiosity in young minds. Montas critiques modern children's literature, discusses the universal truths found in myths, and highlights the importance of liberal education in fostering a democratic society. His passion for storytelling and teaching shines through in this enlightening conversation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Nurturing Curiosity
- Follow children's natural curiosity to introduce them to complex topics.
- Feed and enrich their curiosity instead of suppressing it.
Child's Curiosity
- Montás's four-year-old son demonstrates an interest in complex concepts like death and the nature of mind.
- Montás observes his son's curiosity without imposing adult interpretations, allowing the child's understanding to develop naturally.
Classic Children's Books
- Classic children's books possess a unique quality that resonates with kids across cultures and age groups.
- Some books, like the classics, offer deeper meaning with each rereading.
