School Buzz: Speech and Debate Club at Eisenhower Intermediate School

Contributed Article by BRSD Teacher Sandi Arnold -5th Grade ELA Teacher

If you walk into room 302 at the end of an already busy school day, you’ll see an energetic and passionate group of 10 and 11-year-olds using the jargon of seasoned debaters as they start divvying up their roles! These future debaters signed up for the Speech and Debate Enrichment led by Eisehnower’s Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Sandra Arnold, and Special Education teacher Ms. Elizabeth Barboni. In this 5 week club that takes place after school, students are divided into teams based on the number of attendees. Team members work fiercely and collaboratively to research a self-selected topic that they feel strongly about.

“It brings us together and we get to learn new things!” a student shared as she began getting settled in with her team. “It also improves our confidence,” says another. “I like that I can share my opinions about topics!” says a third.

“We create a safe and fun space for students to have their voices heard, build their communication skills, and practice increasing their confidence,” says Ms. Barboni as Mrs. Arnold circulates the room giving some of the tips and tricks she uses in her Language Arts classroom.

Seems easy enough, right? The challenge to this club (and what makes for the most heated and fun debates) is that students do not know which side of the argument they will be debating until the THIRD session! This makes for a killer “rebuttal" and a tense “crossfire” because both teams know it all and are ready to take on their opponents!

Whether you are a novice or a seasoned debater, this class is for you! Learn the skills it takes to write and present a speech as well as debate your opinions like a pro!

For each session, students research and participate in a live debate on a topic of their group's choice! Scan the QR Code and visit the website here for more information on how to join this exciting club.

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