Skills behind good discussion
A useful discussion needs three things: a clear claim, a reason and a response to what someone else said. Younger children can manage the first two with sentence starters. Older children can learn to build on or challenge a point politely.
Post starters where everyone can see them, such as: I think... because..., I agree with... and I want to add..., I see it differently because...
Game 1: Four Corners
Players: 8 to 30. Ages: 6 to 12. Time: 15 minutes. Materials: four signs reading Strongly agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly disagree.
The adult reads a statement, such as: homework should be banned, or dogs make better pets than cats. Children walk to the corner that matches their view. Each corner has one minute to agree on its best reason, then shares it. Anyone who is persuaded may change corner, and the adult asks what changed their mind.
Easier: use only two corners, agree and disagree, with picture statements.
Harder: after sharing, each corner must repeat back the strongest reason from another corner before replying.
Skill built: giving reasons and being open to changing one's mind.
Game 2: Pass the Talking Object
Players: 4 to 12. Ages: 4 to 10. Time: 10 minutes. Materials: one soft object, such as a beanbag.
Sit in a circle and pose an open question, for example: what makes a good friend? Only the person holding the object may speak. Before passing it on, the speaker names who should go next. The new speaker must first say one thing the previous person said, then add their own idea.
Easier: allow a simple pass, and the adult models the first two turns.
Harder: speakers must connect their idea to someone who spoke two turns earlier.
Skill built: listening, turn-taking and building on others' ideas.
Choosing topics and managing disagreement
Start with light, low-stakes topics before moving to school or community questions. Avoid topics that single out families, religions or personal circumstances. Remind children that we disagree with ideas, not people.
Teachers can link these games to persuasive writing. Parents can use Pass the Talking Object at the dinner table with a question chosen by a different family member each night. Keep a short list of questions in a jar so children can pick one, and let the youngest speaker go first so older siblings practise waiting.
Key points
Give sentence starters so every child can take part.
Reward changing your mind for a good reason.
Ask children to repeat the previous point before adding their own.
Begin with light topics and build up.
Ready-made resources
Printable session plans and materials for this topic are available from EduTrend Contents: G4C-120 Talk & Listen Games.
Photos: AMONWAT DUMKRUT, Sushanta Rokka / Unsplash
Debate and Discussion Games
Children have strong opinions from an early age. Discussion games give them a fair structure to share those opinions, back them with reasons and respond to someone who thinks differently. The aim is careful thinking and respectful talk, not winning.
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Debate and Discussion Games
