How Can I Assist My Middle Schooler in Starting to Debate?

Published on March 26, 2023 by Angie J

Hey there, parents! Are you interested in helping your middle schooler start debating? Debating is a great way for your child to improve their critical thinking skills, public speaking abilities, and confidence. In this article, we'll explore some tips on how your child can get started with debating.

What is debating?

First things first, it's important to know the basics of debating. Debating is a structured conversation where two sides present their arguments for or against a specific topic or proposition. There are a few key elements to a successful debate, including:

Strong arguments: Your child will need to develop clear and compelling arguments to support their position on the topic.
Research: To develop those arguments, your child will need to do some research to gather evidence and support for their position.
Communication skills: Debating requires strong communication skills, including the ability to speak clearly and persuasively, and to listen actively and respectfully to the other side.

How can my child get started with debating?

Now that we've covered the basics, here are some tips on how your child can get started with debating:

Join a debate club or team: Many middle schools have debate clubs or teams that your child can join. This is a great way for your child to learn about debating and to practice their skills in a supportive environment.
Attend a debate camp: If your child is interested in taking their debating skills to the next level, consider signing them up for a debate camp. These camps provide intensive training and practice in debating and can be a great way for your child to develop their skills.
Practice at home: Even if your child isn't part of a debate club or team, they can still practice debating at home. Encourage them to pick a topic and practice presenting arguments for and against it. You can even play the role of the opposing side to make it more realistic.
Watch debates: Watching debates can be a great way for your child to learn about the structure and style of debating. Encourage your child to watch debates online or on TV and to pay attention to how the debaters present their arguments.
Attend a debate tournament: If your child is part of a debate club or team, they may have the opportunity to attend a debate tournament. This is a great way for your child to put their skills to the test and to meet other young debaters.

How can I support my child who is interested in debating?

So your kid is part of a debate club in school, that's awesome! Do you want to know how you can help them out from home? Here are some tips that can help.

First, encourage your kid to read and stay informed about current events. Reading news articles, books, and other sources can help build their knowledge base and make them more confident in their arguments.

Second, help your child develop their research skills. Teach them how to find reliable sources of information and organize their research in a way that will make it easy to reference during a debate.

Third, practice makes perfect! Encourage your child to practice their public speaking skills by giving speeches in class or participating in a debate club. They can also practice at home with friends or family members.

Finally, help your child develop their critical thinking skills. Encourage them to question assumptions, consider multiple perspectives, and evaluate evidence and arguments with a critical eye.

In conclusion, debating is a valuable skill for middle schoolers to develop, and there are plenty of opportunities for your child to get started. Whether it's through joining a club or team, attending a camp or tournament, or practicing at home, there are plenty of ways for your child to develop their critical thinking and communication skills through debating. So encourage your child to give it a try and see where their debating skills can take them!

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