Classics Allowed
For parents raising a child who lacks the confidence to speak out, the challenge of finding opportunities for genuine dialogue can feel daunting. Your child may not be jumping at opportunities to practice and develop their communication skills. This can lead to increased hesitation and self-doubt when it comes to expressing themselves, whether in everyday conversations or more formal situations.
The absence of these experiences can sometimes make your child feel isolated or unsure about how to find their voice, intensifying feelings of frustration or anxiety around speaking.
Imagine your child stepping into every conversation with confidence, their eyes bright and their voice strong, sharing ideas that inspire and connect.
Picture them engaging enthusiastically with peers, diving into meaningful discussions about issues that matter, and thinking deeply with a curiosity that sparks new insights.
See them listening intently to others, showing respect and empathy, and responding with thoughtful, intelligent points that make others stop and think. This is a child who not only speaks well, but connects, persuades, and leads—a skillset that will open doors for a lifetime.
Introducing
Debate Club for Preteens and Teens
Club meetings are held virtually via ZOOM,
on the third Tuesday of each month:
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Daytime session: 10:30-11:45 am (Atlantic Time) - FULL
Evening session: 9:00-10:15 pm (Atlantic Time) - 2 spots left
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MAXIMUM 10 STUDENTS PER SESSION
What Happens at Debate Club?
The Debate Club for Teens meets once a month. Each meeting is organized so that every student gets a chance to take part, either as a debater or as an audience member who helps judge.
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Topics Sent in Advance
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One week before the meeting, all members receive an email with five debate topics (called "resolutions").
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Two students are assigned to each topic — one will argue in favor, and one will argue against. This gives them time to prepare their points.
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Voting Before the Debate
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Before each debate begins, every student in the room votes on the topic, based on their first impressions.
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The Debate Format
For each resolution:-
Opening Statements: Each student speaks for 2 minutes to present their main points.
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Rebuttals: Students take turns responding to each other’s points in two separate 1-minute rebuttals each.
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Closing Remarks: Each student gives a 1-minute closing statement to summarize their argument.
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Final Vote on the Topic
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After the debate, all students vote again to see if anyone’s opinion has changed.
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The votes are counted to determine which side was more convincing.
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Repeat for All Topics
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This cycle happens five times in one meeting, so every assigned pair gets their turn.
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Wrap-Up
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At the end, the moderator leads a short discussion, gives feedback, and offers tips for improving skills.
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Goal of the Club:
Debate Club helps preteens and teens learn critical thinking, public speaking, and respectful argumentation skills, all while having fun and exploring different points of view.
Debate Club 2025
20$Every monthSeptember - December 2025Valid for 4 months- Debate Club - Autumn 2025
Debate Club - Full Payment
80$ÂValid for 4 months- Debate Club - Autumn 2025
Meet the Moderator
Meet Savannah Hepburn Penny! She earned her BA in English Literature with a focus on Creative Writing from the University of Calgary in 2004. Since then, Savannah has dedicated herself to teaching writing to homeschooled children in a variety of settings—including her own home, where she currently homeschools her six kids. She’s passionate about helping kids and teens discover their unique voice, nurturing their confidence, and inspiring a lifelong love of great literature and big ideas. If you're looking for a knowledgeable and caring tutor to support your child's growth, Savannah is here to help!