Who This Class is For:

 

Young learners in grades 3–5 who are curious, talkative, and ready to begin their journey into public speaking and critical thinking.

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What Students Will Learn:

 

This fun and beginner-friendly course introduces elementary students to the art of expressing opinions, forming simple arguments, and building confidence in speaking. Using storytelling, games, and guided activities, students will explore basic debate concepts and learn to respectfully listen and respond to others.

 

Weekly Topics Overview:

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• Week 1: What Is an Argument? – Learning to Express Your Thoughts

• Week 2: Agree or Disagree? – Introduction to Basic Debate

• Week 3: Finding Reasons – Learning to Support Your Ideas

• Week 4: What Makes Something Fair? – Thinking with Frameworks

• Week 5: Let’s Try Rebuttals – Simple Ways to Respond

• Week 6: Asking Great Questions – Introduction to Cross-Examination

• Week 7: Speaking with Confidence – Public Speaking Games

• Week 8–9: Resolution Workshop – Practice Debating Fun Topics

• Week 10: Final Practice Debate – Show What You’ve Learned!

 

 Materials Used:

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• Custom-designed worksheets and debate cards

• Age-appropriate materials adapted from NSDA resources

 

Learning Goals:

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• Build confidence in public speaking

• Understand the basics of arguments and respectful disagreement

• Practice listening, responding, and speaking with clarity

 

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