Both Sides Table Debate

What you need

• Paper, 1 list of debate topics, plus 1 scoring sheet
• Phone, 1 for the timer
• Crayons or markers, 1 marker for scoring (optional)
• Kid scissors, 1 pair (optional)

How to do it

Grown-up prep: Keep the tone friendly and silly so nobody gets upset. Play before or after food, not while eating, so no one chokes while talking and allergies stay safe.

1. Gather around the table with the topic slips in the middle.
2. Draw one topic and read it out loud.
3. Split into two sides. Pick Team Yes or Team No.
4. Start the timer and argue your side for one minute.
5. Give a real reason, not just a feeling.
6. Wait quietly, then sum up the other side before you answer.
7. Swap sides and argue the opposite for one minute.
8. Vote or ask a judge to pick the best reason.
9. Now pick another topic! Which one will you debate next?

Ideas to try

• Cats or dogs: which makes the better pet?
• Is a hot dog a sandwich?
• Once a week, should kids choose what the family eats for dinner?
• Is summer better than winter?
• Would it be better to fly or to be invisible?
• Should every school have a pet?
• Is pizza the best food ever?
• Should we have a longer weekend with a shorter summer break?
• Is it better to read the book or watch the movie?
• Should there be no homework on Fridays?
• Is it better to live by the sea or in the mountains?
• Should kids have a later bedtime on weekends?
• Is breakfast the best meal of the day?
• Should everyone learn to cook by age 10?
• Is morning or night the best time to play?
• Would you rather have a pet dragon or a pet unicorn?
• Should we ban socks with sandals?
• Is a rainy day better than a sunny day?

Play it again

• Speed round: each side gets 30 seconds and only one reason.
• Silly judge: the judge picks the funniest reason, not the best one.
• Make your own: everyone writes one new topic for the pile before you start.