A debate is one of the most exciting aspects of learning to speak and listen, but the rules need to be clear:
* only one person should speak at a time
* listen to others - don’t repeat points
* be clear on what you want to say before you ask to speak
* don’t get personal - keep to the argument and don’t bad-mouth your opposition...
* the Speaker’s word is final!
* keep your temper - you may not agree but you must always respect others’ points of view.
HOT TOPICS
Introduce an issue during your literacy hour - brainstorm some starting points as a class and let the children develop their arguments in groups. Making notes with words or phrases can help them to remember the points they want to make.
ere are a few issues that most juniors would be happy to debate:
* Should we have a Queen?
* Should smoking cigarettes be illegal?
* Should we be allowed to wear trainers and or jewellery to school?
* Should girls be allowed to play football?
* Should we have sex education in primary school?
* Do sports people get paid too much money?
* Should the Government offer money to other countries after disasters?
* Should we have homework three times a week?
Lower KS2Key skills
* Structured points
* Reading with expression Upper KS2 Key skills
* Independent structuring of an argument
* Read with emotion and conviction
Lucy Stimpson is a deputy headteacher in Lambeth
