Is the respectful exchange of ideas a lost art? In this ongoing debate club, students ages 9 - 12 will practice informed and civil debate. They will learn debate terms, format, and how to support their points with evidence. Students will collaborate on an age-appropriate  motion, brainstorm ideas, and gather information in teams of 2-4. Then each team will engage in a weekly debate that focuses on the technical elements of debate skills to include opening statements, 3-part body with main idea and supporting details, effective summary statement, elements of scoring, poise, voice projection, gestures, etc. Each student debate will emphasize respectful presentation of opposing ideas as well as active listening.  Age-appropriate topics will be used. Please note that "hot button" topics that involve highly controversial ideologies will be approached cautiously. If/when such debate topics are addressed, participants will be encouraged to approach the topic from a neutral perspective to allow for unbiased analysis. This class is for the purpose of refining the art of civil debate and learning how to present, defend, and respect opposing ideas. Please adhere to the recommended age for an optimal learning experience to ensure your student has the maturity to engage in conversations that intentionally challenge opinions. 
**Also note that this is an ONGOING class with the following Outschool refund policy: "Cancel subscription at any point, no refund for past subscriptions. Payments can be refunded within 24 hours of purchase."  SEE  Rules and Refund Policy posted in classroom.**

CLASS GOALS:
•	My goal is to tackle topics that are more relevant (see sample list below*). I will present debate topics from a neutral position. Please note that I will at NO TIME try to influence a student’s belief system – only challenge their thinking skills. I will try to put them on the team of their choice when possible. But sometimes I may intentionally put them on the other side to get students to step into the shoes of the opposite side. This helps them develop their thinking skills and it helps them to understand the opposing side better. 
•	Students will be expected to do some research outside of class to represent their debate position.
•	This merits special emphasis: I will present topics for developmental exercises only - not to promote my ideology. I will also encourage students to be respectful of opinions they do not agree with. This is the essence of respectful debate!
Always reach out to me if there is something that concerns you. 
•	It is a valuable learning experience to receive constructive feedback as an individual and/or team score. Students need to be able to accept constructive feedback.
•	It is also valuable to learn how to observe and evaluate other debaters. Club members will progress to the point where they, with my guidance, take the role as debate judge occasionally instead of be part of a debate team.