Silly Debate Club: Hilarious Arguments and Speech Practice for Kids

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Welcome to Silly Debate, where debating is all about fun, creativity, and respect! This class is designed to help students realize that debate doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be a fun and exciting way to express ideas and learn new perspectives. Over the course of the class, students will have the chance to argue both serious and humorous topics, learning how to make a case while respecting others' viewpoints. Each week, we will dive into new topics (many suggested by the students themselves!) and explore both sides of the argument. By the end of the course, your child will not only have gained confidence in speaking but also developed critical thinking skills and the ability to express themselves in a respectful and engaging way.

Class Experience

What will be taught?
Each week, students will learn the fundamentals of debate—how to present a strong argument, how to understand and respect the other side of an issue, and how to express themselves with confidence. We will also explore the importance of respectful communication and how to disagree without being disagreeable. These skills will not only improve their debating abilities but also help in everyday situations, like discussing different opinions or presenting ideas in school.

What topics will you cover?

Basic Debate Techniques: How to structure an argument, present a clear point of view, and respond to opposing ideas.

Creative and Silly Debate Topics: We will cover fun topics, such as: “Which is better: pizza or tacos?” or “Is it better to have a pet dragon or a pet unicorn?”
Understanding Both Sides: Students will learn how to argue for a position they might not agree with to develop critical thinking skills.

Respectful Communication: How to disagree politely, listen to others, and create a positive debate environment.

Confidence in Public Speaking: How to speak confidently and clearly in front of others while having fun.
How is your class structured?
This class will be a mix of lecture, discussion, and interactive debate activities. Each session will begin with a brief introduction to the debate topic, followed by an open discussion where students can share their initial thoughts. Then, we’ll break into smaller debate teams (based on the topics of the day), allowing each student to craft their arguments and practice speaking in a safe and supportive environment. Each debate will involve both fun topics and opportunities to practice more serious argumentation, ensuring there’s a balance of learning and enjoyment.

How will you teach?
I’ll use a combination of interactive exercises, games, and creative debate formats to keep students engaged and make learning fun. We will do mini-debates, role-playing, and group discussions to give everyone a chance to speak. I'll also use slides to outline key debate concepts and provide visual examples of strong arguments. Humor and creativity will play a big role in the teaching style, ensuring that students feel encouraged to think outside the box and present their ideas in interesting ways.