I’ve just spent two days at the first ever PLATO Institute at Columbia University, and am newly-inspired.  The conference was composed of educators and thinkers from Canada, the United States, Finland, Turkey, Chile, Germany and beyond, all of whom were committed to bringing philosophy to pre-college classrooms.

I heard stories of how a little deep thought can help to make children better communicators, better problem-solvers, and better citizens.  I also saw demonstrations of  philosophy being taught to children through stories, film, art, sport, and even through food.  If I weren’t already a believer in the power of big questions, I would have definitely gone home a convert.

In case you’re curious, here’s a video clip of Tom Wartenberg (a PLATO presenter) in a primary school classroom, teaching philosophy through literature.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5wuHRyHez0&feature=email

Today we had the pleasure of being part of an educational display for the International Day for Biological Diversity, at the Georgetown Marketplace.  As part of our philosophy for children program, we were excited to talk environmental ethics with some passionate young thinkers.

Also in attendance were an alligator, a wallaby, a red kangaroo, a lemur, some cool South-American Rodents, and several birds of prey (yeah, we were surprised and delighted too).  There were baby trees to plant, beautiful works of carved art, and experts brimming with useful information.

The entire exhibit stood as a testament to the effectiveness (and  fun) of hands-on learning, and we’d like to thank Leslie Adams of P.O.W.E.R Halton for organizing the event, and for letting us be part of it!