Come along and practice group speaking in front of your peers. Learn about how to persuade through argument and discover how you can use your voice to make a difference.
Topics of discussion include:
- What is community? (Defining place and displaced)
- What is equality and who has it? (Defining status, rights, and opportunities)
- What is truth and who decides? (Defining fake news, misinformation, and disinformation)
- What is social cohesion? (Defining shared attitudes of trust, belonging, and willingness to participate)
Suitable for ages 9+
The Library is moving to a new registration platform.
Please visit our website to find and register for this program. If you have any problems registering for the program, please contact us by phone or email for help.
Kwinana Public Library
Thursdays, 8, 15, 22, and 29 January
3.30pm to 4.30pm
If you would like more information about the program, or would like to discuss accommodations to help you/your child to be comfortable during this program, please contact us at programs@kwinana.wa.gov.au or 9236 4300.
Accommodations for this program can include:
- Weighted items and fidgets can be provided, or welcome to bring your own
- Enter and exit the program as needed
- More information about the program and space to be able to prepare for transitions between activities, including reading the lesson plan notes before the program
- All activities adaptable to be completed seated or standing
FAQ:
- Is this the same debate club that ran last year?
No, this is a new school holiday program specifically for children ages 9+ - Does my child need to attend all sessions?
Coming to all sessions is recommended, but not required. - My child is shy speaking in group settings; will this stop them from fully participating?
No it will not stop them participating. Each session begins with an ice-breaker activity which for weeks one and two, is about expressing their opinions non-verbally so they are able to participate in each activity regardless of public speaking ability, while their confidence and comfort develops. - My child has never debated before, what should we expect them to learn?
Debating is the practice of structuring an argument and speaking to a group. The program is designed for children to learn how to develop an idea into a persuasive argument, and to build confidence in speaking as part of, and in front of, a group. This program will not be a competitive debate club but rather a place for beginners to practice debate skills. - Will my child be expected to participate in debate competitions?
No, there is no expectation that this group will participate in external competitions. There is an activity included in the program called ‘Debate Gladiators’ where participants are challenged to speak for a minute without pausing, and if they pause they are out of the game and the game continues until there is just one participant remaining. All activities are optional, and participants are encouraged to set their own boundaries and advocate for their needs at any time themselves, or with support from their guardians. - Will I have to stay with my child during the program?
You do not need to stay in the room, but please stay in the Library for the duration of the program so you are available to support your child if necessary. You are welcome to stay in the room if that works best for supporting your child, however it is not necessary for guardians to participate.