Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization (PLATO)
Organization Details
| Name | Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization (PLATO) |
| URL | https://www.philosophyforchildren.org/ |
Organization Description
| Mission statement | PLATO nurtures young people’s curiosity, critical thinking, and desire to explore big questions, through philosophy and ethics programs for students, educators, and families. |
| Service(s) description | “Philosophers in the Schools” brings regular philosophy classes into schools around the Seattle area. The classes are taught by PLATO staff, UW graduate students and undergraduates, and community volunteers trained in philosophy education. We also provide philosophy instructors at no charge to lead one or more sessions on ethics or philosophical questions that arise in the high school curriculum. These sessions are structured to reveal deep questions about the discipline and to further engage students with the material. We also provide professional learning opportunities for teachers, in person and online. |
| Program impact | Our programs help students to: Sharpen their reading, writing, listening, and problem-solving skills Think deeply and independently about their beliefs, commitments, and values Question their assumptions Construct creative and well-reasoned arguments Critically evaluate information and beliefs Appreciate complexity Develop confidence and skill in expressing their own points of view Recognize their biases and acknowledge that there are many ways to see the world |
Community programs are organized into categories known as Community School Elements. All community programs associated with Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization (PLATO) are listed below and each program may be provided at 1 or more schools. You can use the 'Show Details' buttons to learn more about each program.
Academic Learning (1 program)
Programs that support and reinforce school-day academic instruction within any subject area - language arts, career and technical education, math, science/technology, visual and performing arts, physical education, health education, ethnic studies, social studies, and world languages - in alignment to the curriculum and academic goals for students and the district.
Expanded Learning (1 program)
Programs that provide opportunities outside of the regular school day to practice and reinforce the skills students are learning in the classroom, to get exposure to new and different areas that may spark their interest and curiosity, and to cultivate strong social emotional skills and mindsets.