Time to debate!
Host a friendly classroom debate: choose a simple topic, research facts, prepare short arguments, practice speaking clearly, and listen respectfully.
Step-by-step guide to host a friendly classroom debate
Step 1
Choose a simple fun topic for your debate like "Cats vs Dogs" or "Should school start later?"
Step 2
Invite classmates or family to join and assign who will be the speakers the host and the timekeeper
Step 3
Tell everyone the time limits for each part for example 1 minute for opening 30 seconds for rebuttal and 30 seconds for closing
Step 4
Ask each speaker to write three quick facts that support their side on separate index cards
Step 5
Ask each speaker to write a one-sentence opening argument on a piece of paper
Step 6
Have each speaker practice saying their opening sentence out loud once while you use the timer
Step 7
Tell everyone the ground rules: speak kindly wait your turn and listen quietly
Step 8
Ask listeners to write one respectful question while the other team speaks
Step 9
Start the debate by having the first speaker give their timed opening statement then continue through rebuttals and closings
Step 10
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of index cards or a timer if we don't have them?
If you don’t have index cards or a separate timer, use torn pieces of paper or sticky notes for the three facts and use a smartphone or kitchen timer for the timed opening and rebuttal steps.
What if speakers keep going over the time limits or get too nervous during their opening?
If speakers consistently go over the stated time limits, have the timekeeper use the timer visibly and give a 10‑second hand signal during the practice step so speakers learn pacing before the live opening.
How can we adapt the debate for younger children or make it more challenging for older kids?
For younger kids shorten the time limits to 20–30 seconds, let them draw one picture instead of writing three index‑card facts, and for older kids extend openings and require a written rebuttal on paper.
How can we extend or personalize the activity and share the result?
To extend the activity, add a simple scoring sheet for the host to rate arguments, let teams design matching props or slides, and record the debate to edit and share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to host a friendly classroom debate
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Debating skills - Introduction
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Homework Or No Homework? Learn Debating Skills | The Art of Debate - ClasShare
Facts about debate and public speaking for kids
⏱️ Many school debates use short timed speeches (often 1–3 minutes) to keep arguments clear and fair.
🎤 About 75% of people say public speaking makes them nervous — so butterflies are totally normal!
📜 Aristotle's Rhetoric named three persuasive tools: ethos (trust), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic).
🏛️ Formal debating goes back to Ancient Greece, where citizens used public argument to shape democracy.
🧠 Research shows students who take part in debates often boost critical thinking, reasoning, and reading skills.
How do I host a friendly classroom debate for kids?
What materials do I need for a kid-friendly debate activity?
What ages is a classroom debate suitable for?
What are the benefits of doing debates with children?
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