Home Debate Club Challenge

Paper for preparing arguments

Pen or pencil

A timer

Choose a topic: phones for kids, fame vs. wealth, school start times.

Assign sides by coin flip.

10 minutes to prepare: 3 arguments with evidence.

Structure: opening (1 min) → arguments (3 min) → rebuttal (2 min) → closing (1 min).

Use a timer. Time limits teach concise speaking.

A judge scores on logic, evidence, and delivery.

Drop roles afterward: "Strongest argument on each side?"

Shake hands. End with respect.

Structured debate teaches critical thinking, organized speaking, active listening (you must listen to rebut), and time management simultaneously. It's one of the most intellectually demanding language activities.

Arguing the opposite side is the most valuable exercise. It builds empathy, perspective-taking, and the ability to understand complexity — essential life skills.

The rebuttal round is the hardest and most important part. It requires real-time listening, analysis, and response. Start by helping your child take notes during the other side's arguments.

Keep topics engaging but not emotionally loaded. Save genuinely controversial topics for when debate skills are more developed.

Monthly debate nights become a family tradition that builds confident communicators. Many successful professionals trace their communication skills back to debate practice.