KS 2 English Debates Speaking Lesson - English experts?

[TeacherPrimaryabc]

We are planning a lesson, upper key stage two, which involves a class debate, where children are learning about different points of view and opinions. The children will take part in a debate on a certain topic that they know well, after lots of research. They will be given a side to take and therefore a point of view. They will need to argue their point of view and debate.

We are trying to ensure that the quiet ones take part, the loud ones don't completely take over and that the debate doesn't just involve children saying their point of view and that's it. We want some conversation i.e. "I understand your view, but I see it differently. I think..."

We have a plan for ensuring children have the topic knowledge, but we are struggling to structure the lesson. Any ideas for setting this up? Sit in a circle? In pairs, face to face mixed ability, debating two opposing views, then present to the class? In pairs, then into fours, practise then present? How would you ensure that every child says something and doesn't leave a dominant child to do all the talking?

Any ideas greatly appreciated.

A full class debate is extremely difficult for a number of reasons. I would advise smaller
groups until the children are very good at debating. How formal do you want their debate to be?

If it’s just the one lesson, then I’ve done it in small groups of six - three on each side of the debate - with the rest of the class watching for a time and giving positive feedback at the end - and then swop groups. It worked fine. It a skill that needs to be developed in more than just one lesson. It makes for a good club!