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Why Bother?

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Alfonso Estrada

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Hygiene Debate Plan

Students will research and articulate arguments for and against prioritizing personal hygiene and engage in a structured 30-minute debate to understand its social and academic impacts.

This lesson builds critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills while reinforcing how hygiene influences peer perception, self-confidence, and classroom performance.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Structured debate with guided brainstorming and reflection

Materials

Why Bother? Slides, Why Bother? Worksheet, Timer, and Whiteboard and Markers

Prep

Review and Prepare Materials

5 minutes

  • Print enough copies of the Why Bother? Worksheet for each student group
  • Load and preview the Why Bother? Slides
  • Arrange small-group seating and set up the whiteboard and markers for recording key points
  • Familiarize yourself with the debate format and group roles (Proponent, Opponent, Moderator, Timekeeper)

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Display the first slide of the Why Bother? Slides and pose the question: “Why does personal hygiene matter?”
  • Invite a few volunteers to share quick thoughts
  • Explain the debate objective and outline the roles and timeline

Step 2

Group Formation & Role Assignment

5 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups of 4–5
  • Within each group, assign roles: Proponent, Opponent, Moderator, Timekeeper (and Note-taker if you have five members)
  • Clarify each role’s responsibilities using Slide 2 on the Why Bother? Slides

Step 3

Planning & Brainstorming

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Why Bother? Worksheet
  • Instruct Proponents and Opponents to brainstorm three strong points supporting their side, with evidence or examples
  • Note-takers record key arguments; Moderators ensure focus and fair turn-taking
  • Circulate to support groups and prompt deeper reasoning

Step 4

Debate Rounds

8 minutes

  • Each Proponent presents their first argument (30 sec), followed by the Opponent’s rebuttal (30 sec)
  • Continue alternating through all three arguments; Timekeepers track turns with the Timer
  • Moderators ensure rules are followed and keep discussion respectful

Step 5

Reflection & Discussion

2 minutes

  • Reconvene as a whole class at the whiteboard
  • Ask each group to share one new insight about hygiene’s social or academic impact
  • Summarize key takeaways and encourage students to apply healthy hygiene habits daily
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Slide Deck

Why Bother? Personal Hygiene Matters

Why does personal hygiene matter for our social lives and academic success?

• Think about how we feel and how others treat us.
• Consider the impact on health, confidence, and performance.

Welcome students! Today we’ll explore why personal hygiene matters through a structured debate. Use this slide to introduce the topic, set expectations, and generate initial curiosity. Ask a few volunteers to respond to the opening question.

Roles & Responsibilities

Proponent
• Argues why hygiene is important.

Opponent
• Argues why it’s not a priority.

Moderator
• Keeps time, ensures fairness.

Timekeeper
• Tracks each turn, signals when time’s up.

Note-taker
• Records key points and evidence.

Explain each role clearly. Make sure every student knows their responsibility before group planning begins.

Debate Rules & Timeline

• 3 Rounds of Arguments
– Proponent presents (30 s)
– Opponent rebuts (30 s)

• No interruptions; raise hand to speak.
• Timekeeper signals: green (start), yellow (10 s left), red (stop).
• Total debate time: 8 minutes.

Review the debate structure and timing. Emphasize respect and active listening.

Brainstorm Prompts

• Social Impact
– How might hygiene affect friendships?

• Academic Impact
– How could hygiene influence focus and participation?

• Personal Experience
– Share a time when hygiene—or lack of it—mattered to you.

Use this slide to guide students during the brainstorming phase. Encourage specific examples and evidence.

Reflection & Takeaways

• What’s one new insight about hygiene’s role in social or academic life?
• How will you apply better hygiene habits starting today?

Record reflections on the board.

After debates, bring everyone back together. Highlight insights and encourage application of healthy habits.

lenny

Worksheet

Why Bother?

Instructions: In your group, brainstorm and prepare arguments for a structured debate on personal hygiene’s importance. Use the spaces below to record your ideas. Refer to Why Bother? Slides for guidance.

Page 1 of 2

Group Information

Group #: ________



Roles & Members:

  • Proponent: __________________________

  • Opponent: __________________________

  • Moderator: __________________________

  • Timekeeper: _________________________

  • Note-taker: _________________________

A. Brainstorm Arguments

  1. Proponent’s Arguments
    a. Argument 1: ________________________________



    Evidence/Example: ________________________________





    b. Argument 2: ________________________________



    Evidence/Example: ________________________________





    c. Argument 3: ________________________________



    Evidence/Example: ________________________________





  2. Opponent’s Arguments
    a. Argument 1: ________________________________



    Evidence/Example: ________________________________





    b. Argument 2: ________________________________



    Evidence/Example: ________________________________





    c. Argument 3: ________________________________



    Evidence/Example: ________________________________





Page 2 of 2

B. Debate Notes

Record key points and rebuttals during the debate.

  • Proponent’s Point & Opponent’s Rebuttal: ________________________________










  • Opponent’s Point & Proponent’s Rebuttal: ________________________________










C. Reflection & Next Steps

  1. What’s one new insight your group gained about personal hygiene’s impact?
    _______________________________










  2. How will you apply better hygiene habits in your daily life?
    _______________________________










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