Great Debates for Kids: 31 Important Debating and Discussion Topics for Children

By Jackie Bolen

Have fun debating and discussion classes filled with engaged students by using this book of debate topics for kids.

 

Get children talking with these 31 important debating topics that consist of an icebreaker, a debate question, 3 common positions, vocabulary, 10 discussion questions and a writing prompt.

 

The best part? It's a no-prep solution for debates for kids! Seriously. It's designed so that you can just grab it and go, so stop wasting too much time doing lesson planning. Talk about school lunches, homeschooling, homework, pets, chores, allowances, and more.

 

Check out the book if you want to...

• Have some interesting discussions and debates about a variety of topics for kids
• Save time when planning lessons
• Help students improve their conversation and debate skills in a big way
• Promote critical thinking
• Talk about interesting things with students
• Introduce debate to children in an informal way
• Have something you can print off and take to class at the last minute
• See happy, smiling students in your classes

 

Author and CELTA/DELTA certified teacher Jackie Bolen is sharing her great ideas with teachers. These are the lesson plans she uses to get students talking and sharing their ideas.

 

Pick up Great Debates for Kids today and get ready for better debating classes tomorrow.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jackie Bolen
• Release date: Apr 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224014088

Book preview

About the Author: Jackie Bolen

I taught English in South Korea for a decade to every level and type of student, including every age from kindergarten kids to adults. These days, I'm living in Vancouver and teaching English to a variety of students. In my spare time, you can usually find me outside surfing, biking, hiking or on the hunt for the most delicious kimchi I can find.

In case you were wondering what my academic qualifications are, I hold a Master of Arts in Psychology. During my time in Korea, I completed both the Cambridge CELTA and DELTA certification programs. With the combination of years teaching ESL/EFL learners of all ages and levels, and the more formal teaching qualifications I've obtained, I have a solid foundation on which to offer teaching advice. I truly hope that you find this book useful and would love it if you sent me an email with any questions or feedback that you might have—I'll always take the time to respond ([e-mail]).

Jackie Bolen around the Internet

ESL Speaking (www.eslspeaking.org)

YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/jackiebolen)

Instagram (www.instagram.com/jackie.bolen)

Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/eslspeaking)

How to Use this Book

These debate topics are designed for children. They assume a basic knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, as well as some reading skills. They are best suited for higher-level English learners, or native English-speaking children.

The main purpose of these lessons is to get students talking and thinking about a certain debate topic and can be used for classes of 30 minutes to two hours. There are 31 different debating topics in total and each lesson includes the following:

−  an icebreaker question

−  the big question (debate topic)

−  3 common positions that people might take on the topic

−  vocabulary words with definitions

−  10 discussion questions

−  1 writing prompt

Animal Testing

Icebreaker

What kinds of products are tested on animals? 

The Big Question

Should animal testing be illegal?

Position 1

Animal testing should be illegal because it's cruel. Animals live terrible lives in small cages and undergo tests that cause pain and suffering. With advances in technology, animal testing isn't necessary these days. Companies can also use ingredients and materials that they know are safe.

Position 2

Animal testing shouldn't be illegal because it's necessary for testing things like cosmetics and medicines. Humans are more important than animals like mice.

Position 3

Animals should be used for testing new medicines that can save lives. However, they shouldn't be used for less important things like makeup or shampoo.

––––––––

Vocabulary

cruel: Mean.

pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress.

cosmetics: Makeup, hair and skin care products, etc.

medicines: Something taken to treat or prevent a disease or illness.

laws: Set of rules, made by the government.

Let's Talk

Which position do you support? Why?

Is there another position that you partly agree with?

Are some