Toolbox

Here are activities you can use:

The Line Debate Through this game you choose a topic with two sides to argue. Split the class into half and then asked them to get in order of when they went to bed the night before or something to that effect. You toss a coin to choose which side goes first. The first student argues a point. If they have a valid point they can choose another student from the other team. Then a student from the other side has to rebut the first point. If they cannot rebut or their argument is not a strong one, they must go to the other team themselves, however if the point is valid they too can choose someone from the other team. The number one rule is that students are not to say ‘umm’ at any stage while they are speaking; if they do they are to go to the other side. The aim is for all students to bring something to share to the table. Adriana and Kathleen

On the Line

Good strategy to debate an issue or a range of issues. A scale is drawn up on the whiteboard with strongly disagree, disagree, unsure, agree and strongly agree. A question is posed to the group and students choose a stance to take on the issue. The teacher calls on individual students to voice their opinions. Once their opinions have been communicated to the group, and depending on how persuasive their arguments are, other students may choose to change their stance/position on the issue. Kathleen

Inside/Outside Circle

students pair up, and stand in a community circle to make an inside and an outside circle. Teacher says a topic for discussion and students discuss with partner. After a certain time, inside circle moves clockwise, outside circle stays still. Students are given a new topic with new partner. This activitiy generates communication and listening skills as well as talking to new people.

Fandigity and Dougo