Elementary Debate

Get started with rhetoric and debate.

Craft arguments and rebuttals about topics that you and your fellow elementary students care about. Listen to be heard, and go head-to-head against classmates with empathy and courtesy.

Students in Elementary Debate speak up, think quickly, and explore different sides of an issue. They build their confidence and learn to express their ideas clearly. With supportive critique and plenty of practice, students become stronger, more thoughtful debaters.

Students learn the structure of formal debates and practice skills like crafting persuasive arguments, responding to opposing points, choosing effective words, and taking clear notes during speeches. They participate in frequent debate exercises, explore the power of metaphors, learn how to research evidence, and present their findings to the class. Each activity helps them build teamwork, quick thinking, and respectful communication.

Families receive a video of the final debate students participate in. Students leave the course with greater confidence, sharper reasoning skills, and a strong foundation for future public speaking and debate experiences.