Jana Mohr Lone

Spring Zoom Classes for Young People

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Spring registration is now open for our online classes for students ages 8-16. These interactive classes, run by experienced philosophy instructors, explore some of life’s big questions, including topics such as friendship and loneliness, the treatment of animals, boredom and creativity, the environment, identity, and happiness. We use books, videos, games, and thought experiments to … Spring Zoom Classes for Young People

Splendor of Gender? Gen Z’s Perspectives on Changing the Meaning of Gender

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On February 17, 2022, in collaboration with the American Philosophical Association (APA), PLATO co-hosted a panel discussion on Splendor of Gender? Gen Z’s Perspectives on Changing the Meaning of Gender. The panel featured sixhigh school students from around the country, all of whom are members of PLATO’s Student Advisory Council: Charles de BelloyCharlie is a … Splendor of Gender? Gen Z’s Perspectives on Changing the Meaning of Gender

HAPPINESS AND THINKING

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Chalk board writing "Happiness is..."

This week I had a conversation with a group of elementary school students about happiness. It started with an exercise I adapted from David White’s book Philosophy for Kids (I have written about this exercise in the past). I gave the students a list of 8 activities — having fun with a friend, reading a book, thinking, sitting in … HAPPINESS AND THINKING

RESPECT – AND ARETHA FRANKLIN

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Black and white photo of Aretha Franklin singing

Recently I led discussions with two different classes of fourth and fifth grade students about the meaning of respect. We began each session by talking about what makes us feel respected. Common responses from the students included “when people listen to me,” “when people pay attention to me,” and “when people accept me for who … RESPECT – AND ARETHA FRANKLIN

A new chapter

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We announced this week that the Center for Philosophy for Children will no longer be an official part of the University of Washington, but will return to its roots as an independent nonprofit organization and will merge with PLATO (Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization), effective January 1, 2022. The Center was an independent nonprofit from … A new chapter

Philosophical Sensitivity

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When teachers and family members ask me what is needed to foster philosophical conversations with children and youth, I usually talk about what I call philosophical sensitivity. I have written about the concept in this blog in the past. I don’t think you need a degree in philosophy or a deep background in the history … Philosophical Sensitivity

They All Saw A Cat

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The picture book They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel describes what an array of different creatures — a child, a snake, a mouse, a bee, etc. — observe when they see a cat. At the end of the book, we are asked to imagine what the cat sees when it looks into the … They All Saw A Cat

Showing Up for Your Friends

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Children’s points of view and ideas have changed the way I think about many subjects. Friendship is one of them. I think that children’s thoughts and observations regarding friendship are particularly insightful because friendship is so central in their lives. Especially once they begin school, children spend most of their waking hours with their peers, much more … Showing Up for Your Friends