Debate: Activities for Primary Students

Example 1

TOPIC: High school should be voluntary like it is in Japan.

TYPE: Short debate - Two groups (2 speakers each) Affirmative and Negative

ACTIVITIES:

• Complete the diagram Statement of issue
• Complete the diagram Statement of opinion, write down supporting reasons, opposing thoughts, and defense

PROCEDURE:

First Affirmative Speaker - 3 minutes

First Negative Speaker - 3 minutes

Second Affirmative Speaker - 3 minutes

Second Negative Speaker - 3 minutes

Take Questions for both sides from the audience or from each other - 10 minutes

Concluding Negative Speech - 3 minutes

Concluding Affirmative Speech - 3 minutes

Each debate takes about 30 minutes. After you have had one debate and discussed it, in the next class period you can have two other debates by different students on the same topic.

Example 2

TOPIC: Ability grouping in schools.(Students have their abilities evaluated and then are put in classes and learning situations which are considered"appropriate"for their abilities)

TYPE: Public Assembly Debate.

MOTION: ability grouping, or"tracking,"should not be used in assigning students to classes or learning opportunities.

ACTIVITIES:

• Students raise their hands and be called on to make a short speech in support or in opposition to the motion.
• The student should introduce himself and start speaking
• Other students who wish to participate can stand up and agree or disagree with the speaker.

This is a chance for new debaters to begin thinking about the topic and get some public speaking experience in as well