Persuasive Writing & Speaking Lesson Plan for Kids | Respectful Debate

A complete one-hour lesson plan to teach students the art of persuasion and respectful debate. Through engaging activities like analyzing speeches from historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malala Yousafzai, students will learn to communicate effectively, understand rights and responsibilities, and build critical thinking and public speaking skills.

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Lesson Plan: The Power of Persuasion - Words, Not Force

Materials Needed:

  • Computer or tablet with internet access
  • Paper and pen or a word processor
  • A timer or clock
  • Optional: A small, fun "prize" or privilege for the final activity (e.g., choosing the next family movie)

Lesson Overview

This one-hour lesson explores how to resolve disagreements respectfully and effectively using words and persuasion, inspired by great historical figures. The student will learn the connection between rights, responsibilities, and respect, and then apply these concepts in a creative and fun way.

IB Learner Profile Focus

  • Communicator: Students will express ideas confidently and creatively by analyzing speeches and crafting their own arguments.
  • Principled: The lesson is built on the importance of acting with integrity, fairness, justice, and respect for the rights of others.
  • Open-minded: Students will appreciate and evaluate different points of view and learn from the experiences of historical figures.

Lesson Activities (Total Time: 60 Minutes)

Part 1: The "Would You Rather" Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Goal: To introduce the idea of persuasion in a fun, low-stakes environment.

  1. Introduce the Activity: Say, "We're going to start with a quick debate game. I'll give you a 'would you rather' question. Your job is to try and convince me that your choice is the best one, but you can only use your words. No shouting or getting upset—just good, strong reasons!"
  2. Pose a Question: Choose a fun, silly prompt. For example:
    • "Would you rather have the power to fly or the power to be invisible?"
    • "Would you rather have a pet dragon or a pet unicorn?"
  3. Let the Student Argue: Give the student 2-3 minutes to present their case. Listen actively to their reasons.
  4. Debrief: Ask follow-up questions:
    • "That was great! What was your strongest reason?"
    • "Was it hard to convince me without getting frustrated?"
    • "This is what we're talking about today: using our words powerfully and respectfully to share our opinion. This is a right we all have."

Part 2: Defining Our Key Words (5 minutes)

Goal: To establish a clear, shared understanding of the core concepts.

  1. Discuss the Terms: Work with the student to create simple, practical definitions for the following words. Write them down.
    • Right: Something you are allowed to do or have, that should be protected. (Example: The right to share your opinion.)
    • Responsibility: A duty you have to do something. (Example: The responsibility to listen to someone else's opinion, even if you disagree.)
    • Respect: Treating someone in a way that shows you value them and their feelings or ideas. (Example: Not interrupting when someone is talking.)
  2. Connect the Concepts: Say, "See how these work together? You have the right to speak, but you have the responsibility to do it with respect."

Part 3: Learning from the Experts (20 minutes)

Goal: To see how historical figures used peaceful persuasion to make a huge impact.

  1. Introduce the Task: "Many amazing people throughout history have created huge changes not by fighting, but by using the power of their words. They were incredible orators and activists. We're going to pick one to learn from."
  2. Offer a Choice: Provide a few options for the student to choose from. This gives them ownership of the learning.
    • Martin Luther King Jr. (USA): Fought for civil rights with powerful, hopeful speeches.
    • Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan): Campaigns for the right of girls to get an education.
    • Greta Thunberg (Sweden): Persuades world leaders to act on climate change.
    • Nelson Mandela (South Africa): Spoke out against apartheid and for reconciliation.
  3. Guided Research & Analysis (15 mins):
    • Once a figure is chosen, find a short (1-3 minute) video clip of them speaking or a famous, powerful quote from them. (A quick search for "Martin Luther King I Have a Dream for kids" or "Malala Yousafzai speech quote" works well).
    • Watch/read it together once. Then, watch/read it a second time, asking the student to look for answers to these questions:
      1. What is the main change this person wants to see?
      2. What words or feelings do they use to make their argument powerful? (e.g., words about freedom, fairness, hope, the future)
      3. How do they show respect, even for those who might disagree?
    • Briefly discuss their findings. Praise their observations.

Part 4: Your Turn to Persuade! (15 minutes)

Goal: To apply the learned concepts in a creative, personal, and fun way.

  1. Set the Scene: "You've just seen how the experts do it. Now it's your turn to be a great persuader! Your mission is to write and deliver a short, one-minute speech to convince me of something. Remember to be respectful but persuasive!"
  2. Choose a Topic: Let the student pick a fun, everyday topic.
    • "Why we should have pizza for dinner tonight."
    • "Why I should get 15 extra minutes of screen time."
    • "Why dogs are better pets than cats (or vice versa)."
  3. Plan the Speech (10 mins): Guide them to structure their argument simply. On a piece of paper, they can jot down:
    • My Goal: (e.g., To get pizza for dinner.)
    • Reason 1: (e.g., It's delicious and everyone loves it.)
    • Reason 2: (e.g., It's easy, so no one has to cook for a long time.)
    • Respectful Closing: (e.g., "Thank you for listening to my idea.")
  4. Deliver the Speech (5 mins): Have them stand up and present their one-minute speech. Listen attentively and treat it seriously. Applaud when they are done. Respond to their persuasion (and maybe even agree to pizza!).

Part 5: Wrap-Up and Reflection (10 minutes)

Goal: To connect the lesson back to the student's own life and reinforce the main ideas.

  1. Discuss the Final Activity: "That was a fantastic speech! How did it feel to use your words to try and convince me of something?"
  2. Review Key Concepts: "So today, we learned that you have a right to your opinion, a responsibility to listen to others, and that using respect is the most powerful tool of all."
  3. Real-World Connection: Ask one final question: "Think about the next time you might have a disagreement with a friend or family member. What is one thing you learned today from people like [activist they chose] that you could try to use?"
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