Let's debate! Whether your kid loves to argue or tends to be more shy when expressing ideas, this public speaking & debate course for middle schoolers will help them with refining speaking skill while boosting self-confidence. Over 8 weeks students will explore the foundations formulating a speech, participating in a debate, and speaking publicly (in a group forum). 

After discussing the "legislation" of the day, students will be asked to argue in support of or against the weekly topic. The teacher will provide a few news articles to help facilitate research skills.

Our teachers provide a safe space for students to express opinions without feeling judged. By assigning a topic, we want to encourage students to make informed decisions. A student may be asked to argue in support of something they do not personally agree with. For example, the student is assigned to argue that children should be allowed to have credit cards in order to learn good money habits. While a student may prefer to argue against this idea since it does not reflect their "personal" belief, it would benefit them to learn to research and argue the opposing side. By participating in this class the student it is understood that the student is mature enough to accept the learning opportunity presented, rather than becoming upset and choosing not to participate in the debate be At the instructor will give feedback on the strength and weakness of each argument. Students will engage in rebuttals as time permits.

This class is designed to support civic debate in addition to learning to use research to support a viewpoint. Students should be comfortable using the internet for research. Students will be instructed as to what types of support material can be used (no personal blogs/ celebrity social media accounts, no tabloids, gossip columns, or news sources that provide unverifiable information).

Class Overview:
- Welcome & Share
- Topic of the Day
- Research & Writing
- 2- 5 minute Presentations and Debate 
- Instructor feedback, group discussion