The room was abuzz with nervous excitement as elementary school students from across the district gathered for their second debate tournament of the year. With the debate topic of “do video games do more harm than good?,” these young minds showcased their ability to think critically, articulate ideas, and defend their positions. Although for the participants it was merely just a competition, it was also a chance for them to develop skills that will help them in the future of their lives.
Held on December 13, at Country Springs Elementary School, the tournament brought together about 102 students, 34 debate teams, and multiple CVUSD elementary debate teams together. Facing off in rounds of debates in teams of two, each student delivered their arguments and rebuttals in front of the judges.
In preparation for the debate, the elementary debate teams would hold many mock debates during their weekly after school practices and practiced their speeches on their own time.
“I would teach them basic debate structures, foundation for public speaking, and organize what we did during practice,” Head Debate Coach Charlene Cheng (12) said. “We would have days with games and lesson plans, but others can just be speeches.”
Although time was limited, and the day of their last tournament was coming closer, the students became nervous and distracted. But despite this small roadbump, the students were still able to put their hard work to good use when the day finally came.
“Honestly I was super surprised that they did so well because I know sometimes during practice they would dilly-dally or get nervous, but it was so nice to see everyone’s hard work pay off,” Cheng said.
Although Cheng was not able to see all her students in action, many high school volunteers from Ayala’s National Honor Society and debate club showed up to become a judge or a timer.
“I judged the elementary students’ debates, choosing winners for the rounds while providing feedback and individual speaker scores for the students,” volunteer Darren Lee (12) said. “The elementary students overall did pretty good. Some of them were very well prepared and did really good.”
While the judges and the debate team leaders were satisfied by each student’s outstanding performance, they were more satisfied with knowing the students are able to learn how to speak confidently in a public setting from a young age.
“Since public speaking is one of the world’s biggest fears, debate is a great solution to overcoming that,” debate judge Katelyn Chang (12) said. “It definitely teaches kids how to speak in a public setting.”
In addition to building up early public speaking skills, students are able to begin learning how to effectively research and create fact-based arguments, which will eventually help them in their future classes.
“I think researching and formatting a speech really helps give them fundamental skills for school in the future in general,” Chang said.
While at the end of the day students took home a prize and an award with them, they also took with them the skills for garnering a better future for themselves.
“It develops their public speaking skills, ability to think on the spot, listening and notetaking abilities, and research/preparation skills,” Lee said.
