For Cell Phones or Against? The Great Debate

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Objective

SWBAT speak knowledgeably about their opinions on whether kids should have cell phones or not as they come prepared to our classroom debates.

Big Idea

Our class debate teams will face off today as they present facts to back up their opinions of whether or not kids should have cell phones.

Lesson Author

Rebecca Strebel

Ogden, UT

Grade Level

Fourth grade

Subjects

English / Language Arts

Cell Phones

Writing

Persuasive Writing

Writing Process

Standards

SL.4.1

Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led)with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

SL.4.1a

Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation and other information known about the topic to explore ideas under discussion.

SL.4.1b

Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles.

SL.4.1c

Pose and respond to specific questions to clarify or follow up on information, and make comments that contribute to the discussion and link to the remarks of others.

SL.4.1d

Review the key ideas expressed and explain their own ideas and understanding in light of the discussion.

Narrative

Class Debate

90 minutes

New Tradition

In the lesson, students researched and prepared to debate whether or not kids should be given their own cell phone. Today's students will work in teams as they face off during our classroom debate. Our debate teams consist of three students per team. I have 24 students so this worked out nicely to divide the students into eight debate teams. With eight debate teams, we will have four formal debates. A few of the students decided that it would be fun to have a host for the debate. I have aloud different students that opportunity during our four different debates. I have included our debate rules in the resources.

To set up for our debate, I have put three desks on the left side and three desks on the right side of the the front of the room. The desks are facing the rest of the class. Check out the resources for short video clips of the debate.

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