Lights, camera, action! Drama & Debate is an exciting, dynamic program where children step into the spotlight to explore the worlds of performance and public speaking in a fun, supportive environment. Through interactive drama games, improvisation exercises, and short skits, kids will develop confidence, creativity, and expressive storytelling skills. They’ll step into different roles, explore emotions, and bring characters to life. But the stage isn’t the only place where their voices will shine! This program also introduces the fundamentals of debate, teaching children how to express their opinions clearly, listen actively, and engage in respectful discussions. Whether acting out a fairy tale, delivering a speech, or making a case for their favourite topic, kids will build essential communication skills that will serve them both on and off the stage. Let the drama unfold and the debates begin!
See the Drama & Debate Packing List here.
In this program, the Instructor(s) will have the flexibility to assess the group’s interests and determine the most effective structure for the term. A selection of theatre games and debate fundamentals is provided as a starting point below, but instructors are encouraged to find additional resources online as needed. For further guidance or support, they are encouraged to reach out to a Senior Instructor or Liz.
A suggested 10-week term plan is as follows:
Lesson 1: Welcome to Drama & Debate!
Objective: Introduce students to drama and debate basics, build trust, and set expectations.
Activities:
- Icebreaker: “Two Truths and a Lie” (to encourage expression and active listening)
- Drama Game: “Pass the Emotion” (practice expressing emotions through facial expressions and body language)
- Debate Mini-Lesson: What is debate? Key terms and respectful discussion
- Quick Activity: Fun debate on a light topic (e.g., “Is pizza better than ice cream?”)
Lesson 2: Finding Your Voice
Objective: Help students develop confidence in speaking and projecting their voice.
Activities:
- Warm-up: Vocal exercises (volume, enunciation, and tone)
- Drama Game: “Mirror, Mirror” (practicing physical expression)
- Speaking Challenge: Reading a short script with emotion and confidence
- Debate Skill: How to express an opinion persuasively
- Mini-Debate: “Should school start later in the morning?”
Lesson 3: Character Exploration & Persuasive Language
Objective: Develop character-building skills and persuasive speaking techniques.
Activities:
- Warm-up: “Walk Like a…” (students walk around the room as different characters)
- Drama Activity: Improvisation with character prompts
- Debate Lesson: Using persuasive language (ethos, pathos, logos)
- Small Group Debate: “Should students have to wear uniforms?”
Lesson 4: Improvisation & Thinking on Your Feet
Objective: Improve quick thinking, creativity, and adaptability in both drama and debate.
Activities:
- Warm-up: “Yes, And…” (a classic improv exercise)
- Improv Scenes: Short, on-the-spot skits
- Debate Challenge: “Speed Debating” – Students are given random topics and must argue their side with only 30 seconds to prepare.
Lesson 5: Storytelling & Structuring Arguments
Objective: Enhance storytelling skills and learn how to structure arguments effectively.
Activities:
- Warm-up: “One-Word Story” (building stories collaboratively)
- Drama Activity: Group Storytelling (one person starts, and others build on it)
- Debate Lesson: Structuring an argument (opening, supporting points, conclusion)
- Mini-Debate: “Should kids get paid for doing chores?”
Lesson 6: Expressing Emotion & Counterarguments
Objective: Teach students to express emotions effectively in performance and construct counterarguments in debate.
Activities:
- Warm-up: “Emotion Walk” (students walk around and react to different emotional prompts)
- Drama Exercise: Act out a scene using only gestures and expressions
- Debate Lesson: The power of counterarguments – how to refute respectfully
- Debate Practice: “Should homework be banned?”
Lesson 7: Improvisation Challenge & Formal Debate Structure
Objective: Strengthen improvisation skills and understand structured debates.
Activities:
- Warm-up: “What Are You Doing?” (quick-thinking improv game)
- Drama Exercise: “Improvised News Report” (students act as reporters covering absurd events)
- Debate Lesson: The formal debate structure (affirmative, negative, rebuttals)
- Team Debate: “Are video games beneficial or harmful for kids?”
Lesson 8: Monologues & Debating with Evidence
Objective: Teach students how to perform solo monologues and support arguments with strong evidence.
Activities:
- Warm-up: “5-Second Scenes” (quick dramatic performances)
- Drama Challenge: Performing a short monologue with emotion
- Debate Skill: Using facts and statistics to support arguments
- Debate: “Should students have a four-day school week?”
Lesson 9: Final Rehearsal – Skits & Debates
Objective: Prepare students for their final performances and debates.
Activities:
- Drama: Groups rehearse and refine their short skits
- Debate: Teams finalize arguments for a final debate
- Peer Feedback: Students provide constructive feedback on each other’s performances
Lesson 10: Showtime! Skit Performances & Debate Tournament
Objective: Showcase skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Activities:
- Drama Showcase: Groups perform their prepared skits
- Debate Tournament: Teams debate a surprise topic using all the skills they’ve learned
- Celebration & Reflection: Students reflect on their growth and celebrate the term together.
Drama & Debate Packing List
Note that a wide variety of crafting materials will be packed for this program. Depending on the interests of the participants, additional items may be requested by emailing Liz at any time. Please give at least 1 week notice when requesting supplies.
General Supplies (Used Every Week)
✔️ Large Paper & Markers (for writing debate topics, drama prompts, and feedback)
✔️ Paper & Pens/Pencils (for students to jot down ideas, scripts, and debate notes)
✔️ Timer or Stopwatch – instructors may use their own phone for this (for timed debates and activities)
✔️ Printed Debate Format Guide (for students to reference throughout the program)
✔️ Printed Drama Warm-Up Exercises (to rotate through different activities each week)
Drama & Improvisation Supplies
✔️ Small Props (hats, scarves, sunglasses, small objects for scene inspiration)
✔️ Cue Cards (for writing improv prompts, character ideas, or emotions)
✔️ Printouts of Short Monologues (for Lesson 8)
Debate Materials
✔️ Debate Topic Cards (instructor to prepare)
✔️ Sticky Notes (for brainstorming sessions)