The overall goal is to prepare students for competitive debate and public speaking, honing confidence, communication, and critical thinking skills, and equip coaches with valuable resources.

This year, over 350 students from 58 schools attended the annual 5th Grade Debate Workshop at E.D. Walker Middle School. The full-day event included a large-group introductory session in the morning to prepare students for smaller practice sessions in the afternoon.

“The energy in the room was incredible. Students were eager to jump in and try debating for themselves,” said Michelle Read, Student Activities coordinator. “It was really wonderful to see our fifth graders building up their confidence and self-esteem,” she said.

The afternoon sessions allowed coaches to connect more deeply with their students and help them apply what they had learned in the morning in a hands-on way. Workshop leaders and coaches facilitated discussions on the topic students will competitively debate on Jan. 31: Artificial Intelligence brings more good than harm.

Following the discussion, students were able to begin the process of creating their very first affirmative speeches and engaging in practice sessions.

By the end of the day, students were able to deliver a full speech with all the core pieces of an argument: claims, evidence, and reasoning.

Seeing students collaborate, brainstorm with their debate teams, and deliver impassioned speeches about the main ideas highlighted the day’s immediate success.

“They had come so far in just one day,” said Jamile Bahra, workshop leader. “Their energy and enthusiasm showed how much students gained from this workshop experience,” Bahra said.