Public Speaking and Debate G3-G5
Public speaking and debate curriculum for grades 3-5 covering speech fundamentals, impromptu and prepared speeches, persuasive writing, and debate basics.
Speech Fundamentals
Learn speech structure (hook, main points, conclusion), non-verbal communication, tone of voice, and body movement through hands-on practice.
Impromptu & Prepared Speeches
Master both spontaneous speaking with continuous story games and prepared 2-minute speeches on topics of personal interest.
Debate & Persuasion
Explore debate basics, create argument lists, write persuasive speeches with evidence, and learn rebuttal techniques for final presentations.
Course Sessions
1 Session 1 - Public Speaking Basics
Session 1 - Public Speaking Basics
- Short Speech (1 min): "Tell Us About Yourself"
- What is public speaking/why is it important?
- Watch TED Talk
- Discussion on TED Talk
2 Session 2 - Basic Structure of a Speech
Session 2 - Basic Structure of a Speech
- Hook/Introduction
- Main Points
- Conclusion
- Short Speech: "Tell Us About Your Favorite Toy" using the structure taught in class
3 Session 3 - Non-Verbal Communication
Session 3 - Non-Verbal Communication
- Tone of Voice
- Body Movement/Posture
- Non-verbal communication activities
4 Session 4 - Impromptu Speeches
Session 4 - Impromptu Speeches
- What is Impromptu Speaking/why is it important
- Continuous Story Game
- Made-Up Words Game
5 Session 5 - Prepared Speeches
Session 5 - Prepared Speeches
- Why are prepared speeches important/how to create and practice prepared speeches
- Project: Prepare a speech (2 Minute Speech)
- Homework: Work on prepared speeches
6 Session 6 - Present Prepared Speeches
Session 6 - Present Prepared Speeches
- Student presentations
7 Session 7 - Debate Basics
Session 7 - Debate Basics
- Warm Up: "If I Ruled the World"
- What is debate?/Why is it important?
- Introduce Debate Topic
- Introduce argument list concept
- Homework: Make argument list for topic
8 Session 8 - Persuasive Speech
Session 8 - Persuasive Speech
- What is a persuasive speech?
- Turning argument list into a persuasive speech
- Finding and citing evidence
- Homework: Work on persuasive speeches
9 Session 9 - Persuasive Speeches Continued
Session 9 - Persuasive Speeches Continued
- Work on writing persuasive speeches
10 Session 10 - Rebuttals
Session 10 - Rebuttals
- What is a rebuttal
- Incorporating rebuttals into persuasive speeches
- Homework: Work on persuasive speeches
11 Session 11 - Finishing Up Persuasive Speeches
Session 11 - Finishing Up Persuasive Speeches
- Final preparation and practice
12 Session 12 - Presentation Day
Session 12 - Presentation Day
- Final persuasive speech presentations
Public Speaking and Debate for Elementary School Students (Grade 3-5)
This 12-session curriculum develops essential public speaking and debate skills through progressive learning. Students begin with speech fundamentals and non-verbal communication, advance to impromptu and prepared speeches, and culminate in persuasive writing and debate techniques with final presentations.