Activity: Host a Debate Night – With Topics Picked by the Kids

Perfect for: Indoors (living room, dining table, or even on a road trip)

Best for: Ages 8+ (develops reasoning, listening, confidence, and communication)

Activity Description:

Kids choose fun, silly, or serious topics and take turns debating both sides—with parents or siblings acting as the judges or participants. It builds critical thinking, empathy, quick thinking, and public speaking skills. Bonus: they learn to express opinions respectfully and think deeply about ideas.

How to Do It:

1. Brainstorm Debate Topics Together

Let the kids choose fun, funny, or interesting ones, such as:

• Should homework be banned?
• Are cats better than dogs?
• Should chocolate be its own food group?
• Should kids be allowed to vote?
• Should robots have feelings?

Try to pick ones with no clear right answer, to encourage deeper thinking.

2. Choose Sides – Even If You Don’t Agree!

Each person draws a side randomly. This teaches empathy and reasoning even if they don’t agree with the argument they’re making. It’s a great life skill!

3. Set the Rules

• 1 minute each to state your case
• 1 minute each for rebuttal
• Final 30-second closing statements
• No interrupting
• Use logic, not volume!

Use a timer and a bell for fun.

4. Assign a Judge or Take Turns

The judge awards points for:

• Most convincing argument
• Funniest point
• Best listening skills
• Most respectful speaker

You can use a simple point system or award chocolate chips, tokens, or stickers.

5. Reflect and Flip Sides

After each round, talk about:

• What was hard or fun about your side?
• Did you change your mind?
• What would make the argument stronger?

Then replay the same topic with flipped sides!

This builds wisdom, humility, speaking skill, and a sharp mind.

And when done right, it’s a lot of laughs too.

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