Debate Club at Home Night
Pick a fun topic and debate both sides with structured rules — building critical thinking, respectful disagreement, and persuasion skills.
What You'll Need
- 1Paper and pen for notes
- 2Timer
- 3List of debate topics (optional)
What You'll Need
Paper and pens for jotting down arguments
A timer for enforcing speaking limits
A list of debate topics (optional)
How to Play
Pick a fun, arguable topic. Start light: "Is pizza better than tacos?" or "Should kids have longer recess?"
Assign sides randomly. Each person must argue their assigned position, regardless of personal opinion.
Give 3 minutes of prep time to brainstorm arguments.
Set rules: 2 minutes to present, no interrupting, 1 minute for rebuttal.
Use the timer strictly. This teaches respect for speaking limits.
After both sides present, debrief: "What argument was most convincing? Why?"
Now switch sides. Arguing the opposite position is where the real learning happens.
Why It Works
Debating builds a skill set that most adults struggle with: disagreeing respectfully. When kids argue an assigned position (especially one they don't personally hold), they're forced to understand the other side's logic. This is perspective-taking at an intellectual level. The structured rules teach that civil discourse has boundaries — you listen, you wait, you respond to arguments rather than attacking the person. The side-switch is the most powerful element: it demonstrates that reasonable people can hold different views.
Tips
Start with silly topics before moving to real issues. Master the format with low emotional stakes.
Model gracious losing: "Your argument about homework was really strong. I think you won that round."
Gradually introduce real-world topics: "Should the school lunch menu change?" "Is screen time good or bad?"
Keep a running scoreboard of debates. Kids love the competitive structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 30 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: paper and pen for notes, timer, list of debate topics (optional).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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