Debate & Public Speaking

A 45-minute lesson where students showcase their media literacy investigations through screencasts, engage in peer evaluation using a professional rubric, and reflect on their growth as digital fact-checkers.

In this lesson, students step into the role of investigative journalists to create a screencast that documents their fact-checking process and final findings. They will learn to combine digital storytelling with technical screencasting skills to present evidence clearly and convincingly.

A comprehensive project where students research a Greek mythological figure and create a multimedia presentation demonstrating their understanding of text evidence, summarization, and digital storytelling.

This lesson introduces students to the life and legacy of Zora Neale Hurston, focusing on her resilience, her unique voice in the Harlem Renaissance, and the modern rediscovery of her work. Students will engage with a biography and participate in a 'Take a Stand' activity to explore themes of sexism and racism.

An 8th-grade ELA lesson focused on deconstructing digital media messages through the lens of rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) and identifying bias in various online formats. Students transition from passive consumers to critical analysts of news clips, social media, and advertisements.

A comprehensive guide and set of tools for 6th-grade students to prepare for and execute a formal debate on the ethics of zoos. This lesson introduces the four-round debate structure, research techniques, and rebuttal strategies.

Students step into the role of entrepreneurs, inventing a product and crafting a persuasive pitch using ethos, pathos, and logos to win over a panel of investors.

Culminating project-based assessment where students create and present their own comparison analysis using a structured playbook outline.

Comparative analysis between the novel and the movie, focusing on adaptation choices and visual storytelling versus text. Includes a game-based review.

Deep dive into the plot structure and literary elements like conflict and theme. Students will map out the 'Play-by-Play' of the story.

Introduction to the setting of Red Lake Reservation, the protagonist Jaxon Stone, and key vocabulary for 'Rez Ball'. Students will begin their character scouting reports.

A set of assessment tools designed to evaluate students' listening, speaking, and collaborative skills through the lens of a professional newsroom.

Students step into the shoes of future journalists to script and record a podcast broadcast from the year 2050, exploring community evolution and technological innovation.

Students synthesize all evidence and alibi analysis to build a persuasive case. The lesson culminates in a courtroom simulation where students present their final arguments.

Focuses on informational writing and active listening. Students learn how to structure a formal report and analyze multiple witness statements for contradictions.

Focuses on reading for detail and making inferences from visual and textual evidence. Students practice descriptive speaking by portraying witnesses and investigators.

A high-energy, 30-minute capstone lesson where 8th-grade students present their final novel projects, engage in peer review, and reflect on their literary journey through a Socratic Seminar and personal journaling.

Préparation et organisation de la table ronde sur la romance adolescente avec des professionnels de l'édition et de l'éducation.

A comprehensive guide to help students kickstart their speech-writing journey, focusing on both persuasive and informational techniques through brainstorming, structured planning, and self-reflection.

A comprehensive introduction to the four primary types of speeches and the nuances of formal versus informal public speaking. Students explore informative, persuasive, entertaining, and inspirational speaking styles through detailed guides and vocabulary.

A 45-minute lesson where students showcase their media literacy investigations through screencasts, engage in peer evaluation using a professional rubric, and reflect on their growth as digital fact-checkers.

A comprehensive guide and set of tools for 6th-grade students to prepare for and execute a formal debate on the ethics of zoos. This lesson introduces the four-round debate structure, research techniques, and rebuttal strategies.

Préparation et organisation de la table ronde sur la romance adolescente avec des professionnels de l'édition et de l'éducation.

An 8th-grade ELA lesson that explores the complexities of character motivation, internal and external conflicts, and characterization through the metaphor of a kaleidoscope. Students analyze how characters drive plot and theme through close reading and interactive discussion.

A 40-minute lesson focused on Chapter 13 ('The Keys') of Persepolis, exploring themes of manipulation and oppression through Socratic Seminar preparation. Students will analyze character perspectives and the use of religious imagery to control the youth during the Iran-Iraq War.

Students investigate the power of storytelling by engaging in a formal debate centered on the 'Silencer's' philosophy. They analyze literature as 'windows and mirrors' to argue whether stories are vital tools for empathy or mere distractions from real-world issues.

Students will transition from story dreaming to story planning by articulating their narrative ideas aloud. Through peer interviews and feedback, they will identify and bridge 'clarity gaps' in their novel plans.

Students investigate the concept of limited perspective and the unreliable narrator through a modern lens, using a text-messaging conflict to bridge the gap between digital communication and literary analysis. They will evaluate how bias shapes narrative and participate in a Socratic Seminar to deepen their understanding of point of view.

Students synthesize all evidence to solve a final mystery, presenting their 'Case Report' to a jury of peers.

Students evaluate the reliability of narrators and identify red herrings, learning to question the validity of text evidence.

Using a mystery narrative, students practice monitoring their comprehension by revising predictions as new evidence is introduced.

Students use the STEAL method to build psychological profiles of characters, inferring traits from indirect clues like dialogue and actions.

Students analyze visual 'crime scenes' to practice the fundamental shift from observation to inference, categorizing evidence as circumstantial or direct.

Students proposed and defend different themes for the class text in a Socratic seminar, using their character analysis as evidence to support multiple valid interpretations.

Students synthesize their character analysis to formulate thematic statements using the 'Theme Formula', bridging the gap between story details and universal truths.

Students investigate the climax of the story to identify the pivotal moment of character transformation, comparing the protagonist's mindset before and after.

Students analyze the consequences of character choices in key scenes, debating what these outcomes suggest about character motivation and the author's message.

Students identify internal and external conflicts and begin tracking how a protagonist responds to these initial hurdles.

Students curate a multimedia collection representing a universal theme as a final synthesis project.

A formal Socratic seminar discussing historical and cultural influences on thematic interpretations.

A 45-minute lesson where students showcase their media literacy investigations through screencasts, engage in peer evaluation using a professional rubric, and reflect on their growth as digital fact-checkers.

In this lesson, students step into the role of investigative journalists to create a screencast that documents their fact-checking process and final findings. They will learn to combine digital storytelling with technical screencasting skills to present evidence clearly and convincingly.

A choice-based writing lesson where students select an opinion prompt and use provided short articles to gather evidence for their persuasive pieces.

A comprehensive project where students research a Greek mythological figure and create a multimedia presentation demonstrating their understanding of text evidence, summarization, and digital storytelling.

An 8th-grade ELA lesson focused on deconstructing digital media messages through the lens of rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) and identifying bias in various online formats. Students transition from passive consumers to critical analysts of news clips, social media, and advertisements.

A comprehensive guide and set of tools for 6th-grade students to prepare for and execute a formal debate on the ethics of zoos. This lesson introduces the four-round debate structure, research techniques, and rebuttal strategies.

A 30-minute Tier 2 intervention for Grade 8 students to master evaluating evidence relevance and sufficiency. Students will analyze argument excerpts, sort evidence types, and participate in a mini-debate to apply their skills in a high-stakes NC EOG prep format.

Students step into the shoes of future journalists to script and record a podcast broadcast from the year 2050, exploring community evolution and technological innovation.

In this 30-minute lesson, 8th-grade students explore the concepts of static and dynamic characters by analyzing Henry's transformation and his father's rigidity in the novel *Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet*. Students will map character arcs and engage in a mini-debate about the motivations behind character stability and change.

Compares Lincoln-Douglas and Public Forum debate formats, preparing students for competitive environments.

Teaches students how to find, evaluate, and cite credible evidence to support their arguments.

Explores logical reasoning and common logical fallacies that undermine debate arguments.

Introduces the Claim-Warrant-Data model of argumentation and basic structures for building a persuasive case.

Focuses on non-verbal communication, vocal variety, and overcoming stage fright to establish a professional presence.

An 8th-grade English Language Arts lesson exploring the themes of prejudice and injustice through the lens of Japanese American internment during WWII. Students analyze historical context and primary sources to understand the development of 'otherness' in literature and history.

Intensive test preparation materials designed to mimic the format and rigor of STAR 360 and OSAS assessments, focusing on strategic elimination and evidence retrieval.

Synthesizes all skills through complex grade-level texts to prepare for end-of-year assessments.

Compares written texts to their visual or auditory interpretations, analyzing how the medium influences the message.

Identifies author biases and logical fallacies in complex informational texts to determine their impact on an argument.

Evaluates the reasoning, evidence, and credibility of arguments while describing differing opinions on the same topic.

This Grade 8 ELA lesson guides students through RI.8.8 by analyzing the structural integrity of arguments regarding mandatory community service. Students will evaluate claim strength, assess evidence quality, and identify logical fallacies using an architectural blueprint theme.

An 8th-grade ELA lesson focused on deconstructing digital media messages through the lens of rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) and identifying bias in various online formats. Students transition from passive consumers to critical analysts of news clips, social media, and advertisements.

A high-energy lesson where students become 'logic lab technicians' to dissect the mechanics of persuasion. They will master rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) and identify logical fallacies in real-world advertisements and historic speeches.

A 30-minute Tier 2 intervention for 8th grade ELA focused on RI.8.8. Students use the CER framework to dismantle arguments, identify logical fallacies, and evaluate the strength of evidence across three real-world scenarios.

The final phase where students apply their knowledge to deconstruct a real-world advertisement and create an 'honest' version that reveals the truth behind the marketing.

An investigation into common logical fallacies like the bandwagon effect, appeal to authority, and fear-mongering as seen in social media and news.

Students explore the core pillars of persuasion (Ethos, Pathos, Logos) and how they are used in modern advertising to influence consumer behavior.

Compares Lincoln-Douglas and Public Forum debate formats, preparing students for competitive environments.

Teaches students how to find, evaluate, and cite credible evidence to support their arguments.

Explores logical reasoning and common logical fallacies that undermine debate arguments.

Introduces the Claim-Warrant-Data model of argumentation and basic structures for building a persuasive case.

Focuses on non-verbal communication, vocal variety, and overcoming stage fright to establish a professional presence.

This lesson equips 8th-grade students with the tools to identify and analyze propaganda techniques across various media formats. Students will investigate the 'Big 7' propaganda devices, evaluate source credibility, and practice 'unmasking' persuasive rhetoric in real-world examples.

A comprehensive guide to teaching structured debate, focusing on argument construction, rebuttal strategies, and persuasive delivery for middle and high school students.

Intensive test preparation materials designed to mimic the format and rigor of STAR 360 and OSAS assessments, focusing on strategic elimination and evidence retrieval.

Synthesizes all skills through complex grade-level texts to prepare for end-of-year assessments.

Compares written texts to their visual or auditory interpretations, analyzing how the medium influences the message.

Identifies author biases and logical fallacies in complex informational texts to determine their impact on an argument.

Evaluates the reasoning, evidence, and credibility of arguments while describing differing opinions on the same topic.

Determines the author's purpose in informational texts and evaluates the use of rhetorical devices to further that purpose.

A comprehensive guide and set of tools for 6th-grade students to prepare for and execute a formal debate on the ethics of zoos. This lesson introduces the four-round debate structure, research techniques, and rebuttal strategies.

Préparation et organisation de la table ronde sur la romance adolescente avec des professionnels de l'édition et de l'éducation.

In this 30-minute lesson, 8th-grade students explore the concepts of static and dynamic characters by analyzing Henry's transformation and his father's rigidity in the novel *Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet*. Students will map character arcs and engage in a mini-debate about the motivations behind character stability and change.

A comprehensive lesson on the structural pillars of argumentative writing, using a courtroom theme to master claims, evidence, and counter-arguments through fast-paced, high-impact activities.

Students will learn to identify and craft effective counterclaims and rebuttals to strengthen their argumentative writing. The lesson uses a 'combat' metaphor to make the components of an argument memorable and engaging.

A comprehensive guide to teaching structured debate, focusing on argument construction, rebuttal strategies, and persuasive delivery for middle and high school students.

A lesson focused on the art of persuasion by practicing the skill of playing 'devil's advocate' to strengthen counter-argument skills. Students will use task cards to challenge popular opinions and build robust rebuttals.

A high-energy lesson where students use role-playing 'clashes' to brainstorm and structure argumentative essay outlines. Students will practice verbalizing claims, evidence, and rebuttals before committing them to a formal battle plan.

A lesson focused on the climactic Act III of '12 Angry Men', exploring the shifting dynamics of the jury, the re-examination of evidence, and the final resolution of the trial.

A lesson focused on Act 1 of 12 Angry Men, where students analyze initial evidence and engage in structured debates to practice evidence-based reasoning.

A fast-paced, 10-15 minute video-based introduction to Macbeth, using white board responses to track student thinking on whether Macbeth deserves the throne.

A high-energy debate lesson where students learn to weaponize text evidence and avoid 'vibes-based' arguments using a Khan Academy model. Students practice finding evidence for opposing sides within the same text and engage in rapid-fire mini-debates.

A lesson focused on identifying the 'terms of debate' and learning how to reframe an argument to shift the ground of a discussion. Students will analyze a soda tax debate and practice reframing standard school-based topics.

Students learn to analyze historical arguments by identifying how authors incorporate and dismantle opposing viewpoints using the 'Wing Chun' metaphor of blocking and striking. The lesson uses the disappearance of the Roanoke Colony as a primary case study.

Students learn to identify counter-arguments and craft effective rebuttals using the 'Block and Strike' metaphor from Wing Chun. The lesson uses a Khan Academy video and a hands-on writing activity to master persuasive redirection.

A lesson where students learn to use transition words to signal counter-arguments and rebuttals using the 'Wing Chun' (block and strike) metaphor. Includes a video analysis of historical mysteries and a collaborative sentence-scrambling activity.

A lesson for 8th-grade ELA and Debate students focused on evaluating evidence quality, distinguishing between counter-arguments, weak evidence, and strong data-driven support.

A dynamic lesson for 8th graders on the power of counter-arguments, featuring role-play, video analysis of the 'Shopping Cart Theory', and a 'Counter-Argument Karate' pivot activity.

Students learn to strengthen their arguments by anticipating and addressing counterarguments before they are even raised. Using a relatable video analysis of a teen negotiating for a new phone, students practice the 'preemptive strike' technique using a specific 'Even though...' sentence structure.

A dynamic lesson for middle schoolers to master the art of the counterclaim, using the 'preemptive strike' strategy to win arguments through logic and audience awareness.

Students will learn the essential components of a Public Service Announcement, focusing on persuasive techniques and crafting a compelling call to action to drive social change.

An 8th-grade lesson focusing on identifying and applying ethos, pathos, and logos in historical speeches. Students deconstruct rhetorical appeals and practice using these techniques in their own persuasive communication.

An 8th-grade ELA lesson focused on deconstructing digital media messages through the lens of rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) and identifying bias in various online formats. Students transition from passive consumers to critical analysts of news clips, social media, and advertisements.

Students step into the role of entrepreneurs, inventing a product and crafting a persuasive pitch using ethos, pathos, and logos to win over a panel of investors.

A high-energy lesson where students become 'logic lab technicians' to dissect the mechanics of persuasion. They will master rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) and identify logical fallacies in real-world advertisements and historic speeches.

A 30-minute Tier 2 intervention for 8th grade ELA focused on RI.8.8. Students use the CER framework to dismantle arguments, identify logical fallacies, and evaluate the strength of evidence across three real-world scenarios.

Students explore the dual nature of technology in modern life and learn to structure their arguments using the Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) framework.

Students synthesize all evidence and alibi analysis to build a persuasive case. The lesson culminates in a courtroom simulation where students present their final arguments.

Focuses on informational writing and active listening. Students learn how to structure a formal report and analyze multiple witness statements for contradictions.

Focuses on reading for detail and making inferences from visual and textual evidence. Students practice descriptive speaking by portraying witnesses and investigators.

The final phase where students apply their knowledge to deconstruct a real-world advertisement and create an 'honest' version that reveals the truth behind the marketing.

An investigation into common logical fallacies like the bandwagon effect, appeal to authority, and fear-mongering as seen in social media and news.

Students explore the core pillars of persuasion (Ethos, Pathos, Logos) and how they are used in modern advertising to influence consumer behavior.

In this 30-minute lesson, 8th-grade students explore the concepts of static and dynamic characters by analyzing Henry's transformation and his father's rigidity in the novel *Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet*. Students will map character arcs and engage in a mini-debate about the motivations behind character stability and change.

A comprehensive two-day introduction to advertising persuasion techniques, teaching students to identify and analyze slogans, repetition, bandwagoning, testimonials, emotional appeals, and expert opinions.

A comprehensive lesson on the structural pillars of argumentative writing, using a courtroom theme to master claims, evidence, and counter-arguments through fast-paced, high-impact activities.

A comprehensive guide to mastering the art of public speaking, covering the entire process from rhetorical writing to confident stage delivery.

Compares Lincoln-Douglas and Public Forum debate formats, preparing students for competitive environments.

Teaches students how to find, evaluate, and cite credible evidence to support their arguments.

Explores logical reasoning and common logical fallacies that undermine debate arguments.

A choice-based writing lesson where students select an opinion prompt and use provided short articles to gather evidence for their persuasive pieces.

A Grade 6-8 ELA lesson focused on identifying and analyzing ethos, pathos, and logos in the context of North Carolina community issues, aligned with NCSCOS RI.7.6 and RI.8.6.