This beginner friendly course introduces students to the fundamentals of competitive debate through live instruction, guided practice, and real-time feedback.Students explore three key formats: Public Forum, Parliamentary, and Congressional Debate, while building skills in public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking.The program concludes with a mock tournament, where students showcase their growth as confident, thoughtful communicators. Week 1: Introduction to Debate & Communication Define debate, build confidence, and explore effective speaking and listening skills. Week 2: Argumentation & Evidence Basics Learn to construct arguments using Claim-Warrant-Impact (CWI) and identify reliable evidence. Week 3: Logical Reasoning & Fallacies Understand basic logic and recognize common fallacies like Ad Hominem, Straw Man, and Slippery Slope. Week 4: Public Forum Overview & Roles Learn the structure of Public Forum (PF) debate, speaker roles, and how to take debate notes (flowing). Week 5: Constructive Speeches – Pro Side Build and deliver a Pro case with organized contentions using CWI structure. Week 6: Constructive Speeches – Con Side Anticipate opposing arguments and create a clear Con case with strong refutation. Week 7: Crossfire Practice Practice asking and answering questions respectfully and clearly in debate. Week 8: Rebuttal Speeches Learn to refute your opponent’s points and defend your own in an organized rebuttal. Week 9: Summary Speeches Summarize the round, highlight winning points, and explain the round’s big picture. Week 10: Final Focus Tell the judge exactly why your team should win by identifying 1–2 key voting issues. Week 11: Using Evidence in PF Practice research, citation, and integrating evidence naturally into your arguments. Week 12: PF Practice Round I Participate in your first full Public Forum round with simplified topics and judge feedback. Week 13: PF Practice Round II & Feedback Build on your PF skills with more full rounds and receive peer/instructor feedback. Week 14: Parliamentary Debate Introduction – Format & Roles Learn basic Parli structure, roles (Prime Minister, Opposition), and how to prepare for limited-prep motions. Week 15: Parli Practice Rounds Work in teams to debate fun, age-appropriate motions. Practice quick prep, clear argument delivery, and refutation. Week 16: Presentation & Reflection Present a final speech or mini debate, reflect on growth, and celebrate student progress.
This beginner friendly course introduces students to the fundamentals of competitive debate through live instruction, guided practice, and real-time feedback.Students explore three key formats: Public Forum, Parliamentary, and Congressional Debate, while building skills in public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking.The program concludes with a mock tournament, where students showcase their growth as confident, thoughtful communicators. Week 1: Introduction to Debate & Communication Define debate, build confidence, and explore effective speaking and listening skills. Week 2: Argumentation & Evidence Basics Learn to construct arguments using Claim-Warrant-Impact (CWI) and identify reliable evidence. Week 3: Logical Reasoning & Fallacies Understand basic logic and recognize common fallacies like Ad Hominem, Straw Man, and Slippery Slope. Week 4: Public Forum Overview & Roles Learn the structure of Public Forum (PF) debate, speaker roles, and how to take debate notes (flowing). Week 5: Constructive Speeches – Pro Side Build and deliver a Pro case with organized contentions using CWI structure. Week 6: Constructive Speeches – Con Side Anticipate opposing arguments and create a clear Con case with strong refutation. Week 7: Crossfire Practice Practice asking and answering questions respectfully and clearly in debate. Week 8: Rebuttal Speeches Learn to refute your opponent’s points and defend your own in an organized rebuttal. Week 9: Summary Speeches Summarize the round, highlight winning points, and explain the round’s big picture. Week 10: Final Focus Tell the judge exactly why your team should win by identifying 1–2 key voting issues. Week 11: Using Evidence in PF Practice research, citation, and integrating evidence naturally into your arguments. Week 12: PF Practice Round I Participate in your first full Public Forum round with simplified topics and judge feedback. Week 13: PF Practice Round II & Feedback Build on your PF skills with more full rounds and receive peer/instructor feedback. Week 14: Parliamentary Debate Introduction – Format & Roles Learn basic Parli structure, roles (Prime Minister, Opposition), and how to prepare for limited-prep motions. Week 15: Parli Practice Rounds Work in teams to debate fun, age-appropriate motions. Practice quick prep, clear argument delivery, and refutation. Week 16: Presentation & Reflection Present a final speech or mini debate, reflect on growth, and celebrate student progress.
In this fun and supportive 16-week course, students build strong public speaking skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities. They’ll practice posture, breathing, clear speech, and expressive delivery while exploring show-and-tell, storytelling, gestures, eye contact, and even basic persuasive speaking.Each week builds confidence and communication, leading up to a final showcase where students present to classmates and families. By the end, students will speak with clarity, purpose, and pride. Week 1: Impromptu–"All About Me" with Stoplight Week 2: Informative–"Favorite & Least Favorite Foods & Why" with Stoplight Week 3: Informative–"Favorite Toy/Game" with Stoplight, Big Ideas Poster, Ear Sticks Week 4: Informative–"Favorite Trip or Summer Activity" with Ear, Tree & Snake Sticks Week 5: Informative–"An Animal & Its Habitat" with Hook & Body Language Tools Week 6: Informative–"Interesting Facts About a Country" with Eye & Ear Sticks Week 7: Informative–"Favorite Book or Movie" Week 8: Informative–"A Career (e.g. Firefighter, Ballerina)" Week 9: Persuasive–"Favorite Season or School Subject" with Shoe Sticks Week 10: Persuasive–"You Should Eat These 3 Foods..." with Submarine Poster Week 11: Persuasive–"Parents Should... (Buy/Get/Go)" with Dollar Bills Week 12: Persuasive–"Commercial: Every Parent Should Buy This..." Week 13: Impromptu–"2-Minute Impromptu Speech" with Slips & Popsicle Sticks Week 14: Demonstration with Visual Aids–"Show & Tell" with Visuals Week 15: Impromptu–"How This Works" or “How-To” with Penguin Pirate Poster” Week16: Student’s Choice(Informative,Persuasive, or Demonstration)-Final Presentation Student’s Best Speech
In this fun and supportive 16-week course, students build strong public speaking skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities. They’ll practice posture, breathing, clear speech, and expressive delivery while exploring show-and-tell, storytelling, gestures, eye contact, and even basic persuasive speaking.Each week builds confidence and communication, leading up to a final showcase where students present to classmates and families. By the end, students will speak with clarity, purpose, and pride. Week 1: Impromptu–"All About Me" with Stoplight Week 2: Informative–"Favorite & Least Favorite Foods & Why" with Stoplight Week 3: Informative–"Favorite Toy/Game" with Stoplight, Big Ideas Poster, Ear Sticks Week 4: Informative–"Favorite Trip or Summer Activity" with Ear, Tree & Snake Sticks Week 5: Informative–"An Animal & Its Habitat" with Hook & Body Language Tools Week 6: Informative–"Interesting Facts About a Country" with Eye & Ear Sticks Week 7: Informative–"Favorite Book or Movie" Week 8: Informative–"A Career (e.g. Firefighter, Ballerina)" Week 9: Persuasive–"Favorite Season or School Subject" with Shoe Sticks Week 10: Persuasive–"You Should Eat These 3 Foods..." with Submarine Poster Week 11: Persuasive–"Parents Should... (Buy/Get/Go)" with Dollar Bills Week 12: Persuasive–"Commercial: Every Parent Should Buy This..." Week 13: Impromptu–"2-Minute Impromptu Speech" with Slips & Popsicle Sticks Week 14: Demonstration with Visual Aids–"Show & Tell" with Visuals Week 15: Impromptu–"How This Works" or “How-To” with Penguin Pirate Poster” Week16: Student’s Choice(Informative,Persuasive, or Demonstration)-Final Presentation Student’s Best Speech
This course helps upper elementary students build confidence in public speaking and critical thinking through impromptu speeches, structured arguments, and Spar-style debates. Students practice organizing ideas, speaking under pressure, and responding respectfully, while developing logical reasoning and active listening.The program ends with a student-led showcase or mini tournament, celebrating their growth as confident communicators. Week 1: Welcome to Public Speaking Introduction to public speaking, posture, and basic self-expression Week 2: Being a Great Listener Active listening, respectful feedback, and communication etiquette Week 3: Express Yourself with Confidence Voice projection, clarity, and expressive reading Week 4: What’s a Great Speech? Understanding speech structure – beginning, middle, and end Week 5: My Favorite Things Speech Planning and presenting a personal topic with confidence Week 6: Fact or Opinion? Recognizing opinions vs. facts and sharing personal viewpoints Week 7: Speaking to Persuade (Part 1) Introduction to persuasion and forming basic arguments Week 8: Speaking to Persuade (Part 2) Adding reasons and emotion to strengthen arguments Week 9: Using Visuals in Speaking Incorporating props or visuals to support ideas Week 10: Storytelling with a Message Crafting a story with a clear message and structure Week 11: Debating for Beginners – Agree or Disagree Basic argumentation with simple topics Week 12: My First Mini Debate Structured pair debates using opinion, reason, and example Week 13: Impromptu Speaking Game Thinking and speaking on the spot using a simple format Week 14: Putting It All Together – Practice Day Review and refine favorite speech types Week 15: Final Speech Rehearsal Practice final speeches with feedback Week 16: Final Showcase & Celebration! Presentation, peer support, and celebration of growth
This course helps upper elementary students build confidence in public speaking and critical thinking through impromptu speeches, structured arguments, and Spar-style debates. Students practice organizing ideas, speaking under pressure, and responding respectfully, while developing logical reasoning and active listening.The program ends with a student-led showcase or mini tournament, celebrating their growth as confident communicators. Week 1: Welcome to Public Speaking Introduction to public speaking, posture, and basic self-expression Week 2: Being a Great Listener Active listening, respectful feedback, and communication etiquette Week 3: Express Yourself with Confidence Voice projection, clarity, and expressive reading Week 4: What’s a Great Speech? Understanding speech structure – beginning, middle, and end Week 5: My Favorite Things Speech Planning and presenting a personal topic with confidence Week 6: Fact or Opinion? Recognizing opinions vs. facts and sharing personal viewpoints Week 7: Speaking to Persuade (Part 1) Introduction to persuasion and forming basic arguments Week 8: Speaking to Persuade (Part 2) Adding reasons and emotion to strengthen arguments Week 9: Using Visuals in Speaking Incorporating props or visuals to support ideas Week 10: Storytelling with a Message Crafting a story with a clear message and structure Week 11: Debating for Beginners – Agree or Disagree Basic argumentation with simple topics Week 12: My First Mini Debate Structured pair debates using opinion, reason, and example Week 13: Impromptu Speaking Game Thinking and speaking on the spot using a simple format Week 14: Putting It All Together – Practice Day Review and refine favorite speech types Week 15: Final Speech Rehearsal Practice final speeches with feedback Week 16: Final Showcase & Celebration! Presentation, peer support, and celebration of growth
This 16-week course helps students build confidence in public speaking, critical thinking, and debate through storytelling, logic games, structured speech practice, and real-world examples.Students will learn to speak clearly, craft persuasive arguments, and engage in formats like impromptu speeches and Congressional debates, while developing active listening, logical reasoning, and teamwork.The program concludes with a showcase or mock tournament, celebrating each student’s growth as a thoughtful, confident communicator. Week 1: Introduction to Forensics Explore the meaning of forensics, fairness in debate, basics of speech, and active listening. Week 2: Roles & Logical Thinking Learn debate roles, fact vs. opinion, and an introduction to syllogism and speech projection. Week 3: Introduction to Fallacies Understand fallacies, how to recognize them, and improve speech delivery and stance. Week 4: Fallacy Training II Identify more fallacies, learn to respond to them, and analyze logical writing structures. Week 5: First Speech Drafting Write and structure a speech with claim, evidence, reasoning, and impact. Week 6: Impromptu Speech I – Writing a Thesis Learn to craft a clear thesis and practice with timed writing exercises. Week 7: Impromptu Speech II – Structuring a Speech Learn to organize thoughts quickly using introductions, body, and conclusions. Week 8: Impromptu Speech III – Building a Speech Bank Create a personal topic bank for speeches and practice with short delivery. Week 9: Argument Writing Training Develop arguments using claim, evidence, and reasoning; peer review and revise. Week 10: Debate Basics Overview Understand structure, roles, etiquette, and how to refute in formal debate. Week 11: SPAR Debate Introduction Practice short-form structured debates with peer feedback. Week 12: SPAR Practice & Argument Speeches Continue SPAR debates and prepare/deliver a 3-minute argument speech. Week 13: Congressional Debates Simulate a congressional debate with roles, discussion, and voting. Week 14: Informative Speech Organize and deliver a speech that teaches or explains a topic. Week 15: Persuasive Speech Structure and deliver a persuasive speech with strong arguments and emotional appeal. Week 16: Final Celebration & Showcase Deliver final speeches, reflect on progress, and celebrate achievements.
This 16-week course helps students build confidence in public speaking, critical thinking, and debate through storytelling, logic games, structured speech practice, and real-world examples.Students will learn to speak clearly, craft persuasive arguments, and engage in formats like impromptu speeches and Congressional debates, while developing active listening, logical reasoning, and teamwork.The program concludes with a showcase or mock tournament, celebrating each student’s growth as a thoughtful, confident communicator. Week 1: Introduction to Forensics Explore the meaning of forensics, fairness in debate, basics of speech, and active listening. Week 2: Roles & Logical Thinking Learn debate roles, fact vs. opinion, and an introduction to syllogism and speech projection. Week 3: Introduction to Fallacies Understand fallacies, how to recognize them, and improve speech delivery and stance. Week 4: Fallacy Training II Identify more fallacies, learn to respond to them, and analyze logical writing structures. Week 5: First Speech Drafting Write and structure a speech with claim, evidence, reasoning, and impact. Week 6: Impromptu Speech I – Writing a Thesis Learn to craft a clear thesis and practice with timed writing exercises. Week 7: Impromptu Speech II – Structuring a Speech Learn to organize thoughts quickly using introductions, body, and conclusions. Week 8: Impromptu Speech III – Building a Speech Bank Create a personal topic bank for speeches and practice with short delivery. Week 9: Argument Writing Training Develop arguments using claim, evidence, and reasoning; peer review and revise. Week 10: Debate Basics Overview Understand structure, roles, etiquette, and how to refute in formal debate. Week 11: SPAR Debate Introduction Practice short-form structured debates with peer feedback. Week 12: SPAR Practice & Argument Speeches Continue SPAR debates and prepare/deliver a 3-minute argument speech. Week 13: Congressional Debates Simulate a congressional debate with roles, discussion, and voting. Week 14: Informative Speech Organize and deliver a speech that teaches or explains a topic. Week 15: Persuasive Speech Structure and deliver a persuasive speech with strong arguments and emotional appeal. Week 16: Final Celebration & Showcase Deliver final speeches, reflect on progress, and celebrate achievements.
This beginner friendly course introduces students to the fundamentals of competitive debate through live instruction, guided practice, and real-time feedback.Students explore three key formats: Public Forum, Parliamentary, and Congressional Debate, while building skills in public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking.The program concludes with a mock tournament, where students showcase their growth as confident, thoughtful communicators. Week 1: Introduction to Debate & Communication Define debate, build confidence, and explore effective speaking and listening skills. Week 2: Argumentation & Evidence Basics Learn to construct arguments using Claim-Warrant-Impact (CWI) and identify reliable evidence. Week 3: Logical Reasoning & Fallacies Understand basic logic and recognize common fallacies like Ad Hominem, Straw Man, and Slippery Slope. Week 4: Public Forum Overview & Roles Learn the structure of Public Forum (PF) debate, speaker roles, and how to take debate notes (flowing). Week 5: Constructive Speeches – Pro Side Build and deliver a Pro case with organized contentions using CWI structure. Week 6: Constructive Speeches – Con Side Anticipate opposing arguments and create a clear Con case with strong refutation. Week 7: Crossfire Practice Practice asking and answering questions respectfully and clearly in debate. Week 8: Rebuttal Speeches Learn to refute your opponent’s points and defend your own in an organized rebuttal. Week 9: Summary Speeches Summarize the round, highlight winning points, and explain the round’s big picture. Week 10: Final Focus Tell the judge exactly why your team should win by identifying 1–2 key voting issues. Week 11: Using Evidence in PF Practice research, citation, and integrating evidence naturally into your arguments. Week 12: PF Practice Round I Participate in your first full Public Forum round with simplified topics and judge feedback. Week 13: PF Practice Round II & Feedback Build on your PF skills with more full rounds and receive peer/instructor feedback. Week 14: Parliamentary Debate Introduction – Format & Roles Learn basic Parli structure, roles (Prime Minister, Opposition), and how to prepare for limited-prep motions. Week 15: Parli Practice Rounds Work in teams to debate fun, age-appropriate motions. Practice quick prep, clear argument delivery, and refutation. Week 16: Presentation & Reflection Present a final speech or mini debate, reflect on growth, and celebrate student progress.