Today, Year 4 held a debate over which Ancient Greek city state was better – Athens or Sparta.
The children used the city state fact files they’d made in the previous lesson to debate over topics including the economy, education, women’s rights and the government.
We learnt some top tips for debating:
- Have confident body language.
- Prepare arguments to counter your side’s weaknesses.
- Use key debating vocabulary (e.g. “You make a good point. However…”).
- Listen carefully to the other side so you can respond appropriately.
- Project your voice.
Although Athens won the debate, all children demonstrated brilliant debating and oracy (speaking and listening) skills. It was fantastic!
Help at home: Practise the top tips for debating at home. Should children have to go to school on weekends? Should video games be allowed in school?