Dinner Table Friendly Debate
Pick a fun debate topic — is pizza better than tacos? — and take turns making arguments with reasons, teaching persuasive speaking in a playful way.
What You'll Need
A dinner table and willing participants
A fun, low-stakes debate topic
How to Play
Announce debate night at dinner.
Present a topic: "Pizza vs. tacos?" "Cats vs. dogs?" "Should kids have homework?"
Pick sides. It's fun to argue the side you don't agree with.
Rules: 3 arguments each. No interrupting. Listen respectfully.
Model: "Pizza is better because you can put anything on it."
Prompt: "Why are tacos better? Give me a reason."
Let a family member judge the strongest argument.
High-five: "Great debate! Strong arguments!"
Tips
Debate builds persuasive language skills — the ability to make a claim and support it with reasons. This is the foundation of essay writing, critical thinking, and effective communication in every area of life.
The "no interrupting" rule teaches impulse control and active listening. Both are harder than they sound, even for adults.
Arguing the opposite side is a particularly powerful exercise. It forces your child to understand that other perspectives exist and have valid reasons — that's the beginning of empathy in communication.
Keep topics light and fun. "Should bedtime be at midnight?" generates passionate arguments without real conflict.
The phrase "because" is the magic word. Coach your child to always include a "because" in their arguments: "Tacos are better BECAUSE you can hold them with one hand."
Age Adaptation Tips
School-age kids can take more ownership. Let them lead the activity, experiment with variations, and explain what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 15 min, with 0 min of preparation time beforehand.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 5-8 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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