Debate Spark

Instructions: Think about the word "debate." What comes to mind? Write down three words or short phrases that you associate with debates or disagreements.

Discussion Question: Have you ever been in a disagreement where you felt truly heard, even if you didn't agree? What made that conversation different?

Debate Topics and Position Cards

Instructions: Cut out each box. Students will work in pairs or small groups. For each topic, one student will take Position A and the other Position B. Practice using empathetic speaking phrases (from the Worksheet: 'Empathetic Speaking' Phrase Sheet) to state your opposing viewpoint after validating your partner's perspective.

Topic 1: Homework

Position A: Students should have homework every night to practice what they learn.

Position B: Students should not have homework so they can have more free time for family and play.

Topic 2: Screen Time

Position A: Kids should have unlimited screen time for games and learning.

Position B: Kids should have very limited screen time to encourage other activities.

Topic 3: School Uniforms

Position A: All students should wear school uniforms to make everyone feel equal and reduce distractions.

Position B: Students should be allowed to wear whatever they want to express their individuality.

Topic 4: Class Pets

Position A: Every classroom should have a pet (like a fish or hamster) because they teach responsibility.

Position B: Classrooms should not have pets because they can be a distraction and some students might have allergies.

Topic 5: Healthy Snacks

Position A: Schools should only serve healthy snacks and drinks.

Position B: Students should be allowed to bring any snack they want to school, as long as it's not shared.

Empathetic Speaking Phrase Sheet

Instructions: Use these phrases to help you validate your partner's perspective before you introduce your own viewpoint. Remember to use "and" instead of "but" to connect your ideas!

Step 1: Validate Their Perspective (Show you listened and understood)

• "I hear you saying that..."
• "I understand why you might feel..."
• "It sounds like you believe..."
• "I can see your point about..."
• "You make a good point about..."
• "I appreciate you sharing that..."
• "It seems important to you that..."

Step 2: Connect with "And"

Instead of saying BUT (which can erase what they said), use AND to add your own thoughts without dismissing theirs.

Step 3: Introduce Your Viewpoint (State your idea respectfully)

• "...and I also think that..."
• "...and a different way to look at it is..."
• "...and my perspective is..."
• "...and I have a different idea about..."
• "...and I believe that..."

Practice Sentences:

Combine a phrase from Step 1, the word "and," and a phrase from Step 3 to create your own empathetic response. Try to make at least three examples.

Empathetic Debate Challenge

Goal: Practice stating your opposing viewpoint while validating your partner's perspective using "and" instead of "but" for maximum points!

How to Play:

1. The teacher will present a series of quick debate prompts (or use the Activity: Debate Topics and Position Cards).

2. One student will state their opinion on the prompt.

3. The next student will respond by first validating the previous student's point using an empathetic phrase, then connecting with "and", and finally stating their own opposing viewpoint.

   Example:

   • Student 1: "I think school should start later because I'm always tired in the mornings."
   • Student 2: "I understand you feel tired in the mornings, and I believe starting earlier gives us more time for after-school activities."

Scoring (Optional):

• 1 point: For clearly validating the previous speaker's point.
• 1 point: For using "and" correctly to introduce your opposing idea.
• 1 point: For clearly stating your own opposing viewpoint.
• Bonus point (optional): For using a new, creative empathetic phrase from your Worksheet: 'Empathetic Speaking' Phrase Sheet.

Challenge Rounds:

• Round 1: Pair-Share Practice: Work with a partner. Take turns making a statement and responding empathetically.
• Round 2: Small Group Debate: In groups of 3-4, take turns debating a topic, focusing on empathetic responses.
• Round 3: Class Hot Seat: Volunteers come to the front. The teacher gives a prompt, and students respond with empathetic debate phrases.

Remember: The goal isn't to "win" the debate, but to communicate respectfully and be understood, even when you disagree!