Overview:
In grades 4-9, the BC social studies curricular competencies identify a need for students to learn to ask questions, gather and interpret information, consider different perspectives of a topic, and communicate ideas. A great way to teach these skills is through participation in a debate.
Lead up activities for debate:
Practice coming up with arguments for each side through a tug of war activity (instructions here).
Make a statement and have students physically place themselves on strongly agree to strongly disagree line.
Tips for setting up a debate in class:
Select articles that: have strong points on both sides; are not overly controversial; and that are relevant for your students.
Ask students to familiarize themselves with the topic/article.
Outline the expectations for a respectful debate as a class.
Create a class anchor chart of what a good debate looks like.
Assign students to the negative or affirmative side of the argument (note: pre-select the groups).
Give students time to work with their group to create an argument for their side.
Host the debate.
Hosting the Debate (A Debate format that can be used for formal in class debates):
B.I.R.T = Be It Resolved That
1st Affirmative (1.5 minutes)
1st Negative (1.5 minutes)
2nd Affirmative (1.5 minutes)
2nd Negative (1.5 minutes)
Break (1 minute)
Negative rebuttal (1.5 minutes)
Affirmative rebuttal (1.5 minutes)
Follow-up activity:
Once students have had an opportunity to verbally debate a topic/issue, move into a persuasive writing or advertising activity in which students try to persuade an audience.
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