Family Debate Challenge

Learning Guide

A simple guide to lead you through the kickoff, the core challenge, and everything in between.

Mai’s Tips

1. For younger learners, keep topics very simple and focus on expressing feelings and preferences, even just with drawings. For older learners, encourage research for evidence.
2. Model active listening and respectful disagreement during the activity. Don't correct their arguments directly, but ask Socratic questions like, 'What makes that point especially strong?' or 'Is there a different way you could say that to be even clearer?'

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1Introduction 5 min

• Begin by explaining that a debate is a structured way for people to discuss different sides of an issue, using reasoned arguments to try and persuade others. It's about clear communication, not just loud voices. Ask: 'What does 'debate' mean to you?' Then, 'When might you need to convince someone of something, like choosing a movie or where to eat?' And, 'Why is it important to be able to explain your point of view clearly, even if others disagree?' Emphasize that respectful disagreement is key: listening and understanding are just as important as speaking. This stage is complete when your child can generally describe what a debate involves and its purpose.

Done when: The student understands what a debate generally involves and its purpose.

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2Explore & Plan 8 min

• Help your child choose a fun topic for a family debate. You can suggest ideas like 'Should ice cream be a breakfast food?' or 'Are dogs better pets than cats?', or encourage them to propose their own. Once a topic is chosen, guide them to pick the side they genuinely want to defend. Ask: 'What topic sounds fun to debate today?', 'Which side of that topic feels stronger to you?', and 'What are your first ideas about why you're right?' Gather paper and pens. Begin brainstorming initial points or simple ideas for their chosen side, jotting them down simply. Younger children can use simple words or even drawings. This stage is complete when a debate topic and a chosen side are selected, and initial ideas are jotted down.

Done when: A debate topic and a chosen side have been selected, and initial ideas are jotted down.

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3Discussion 6 min

• Discuss with your child what makes an argument strong versus weak. Explain that an argument is a statement or series of statements offering reasons and evidence to support a conclusion. Strong arguments use facts (things that are proven true) and examples to show why a viewpoint is valid, while weak arguments rely on just opinions or emotional appeals without substance. Its opposite is stating a belief without evidence. Strong arguments help others understand and consider your viewpoint. Ask: 'What makes an argument really convincing?', 'What kind of information would help prove your point?', and 'How can you present your idea so others will listen respectfully?' Emphasize listening to the 'other side' even when disagreeing. This stage is complete when your child can identify elements of a strong argument and the importance of respectful communication.

Done when: Student can identify elements of a strong argument and the importance of respectful communication.

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4Activity 9 min

• It’s time to become argument architects! Guide your child in creating physical 'argument cards' for their best points using the paper, pens, and markers. Write one main idea or piece of evidence on each card. For younger children, encourage simple drawings or single words. For older children, prompt them for more detail and evidence. Help them logically order the cards, practicing how they would arrange them to build a persuasive case. Ask: 'What's your strongest point? Let's put that on a card!', 'How should we arrange these cards to make your case clearest?', and 'How will you start your argument? What about a strong closing statement?' Encourage them to practice presenting their argument aloud to you. This stage is complete when your child has created and arranged their argument cards and practiced presenting their case.

Done when: The student has created and arranged their argument cards and practiced presenting their case.

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5Summary 2 min

• Praise your child's effort and celebrate their ability to articulate and defend their chosen side. Highlight their critical thinking and clear communication. Ask reflective questions: 'What was the hardest part of building your argument today?', 'What did you learn about how to present your ideas effectively?', and 'When might you use these debate skills in your everyday life, like when deciding on family plans or convincing a friend of something?' Connect these newly practiced skills to real-world situations, showing them how valuable they are. This stage is complete when your child shares one key takeaway from the debate challenge.

Done when: Student shares one key takeaway from the debate challenge.

Your Notes