Have an argument. Activities for Kids.

Have an argument

Practice a friendly, structured argument with a partner, using facts, turn-taking, and respectful language to learn reasoning and perspective-taking skills.

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Step-by-step guide to practice a friendly, structured argument with a partner

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How Can Young People Resolve Conflicts Peacefully? - Gen Alpha Adventures

What you need

Adult supervision required, partner, pen or pencil, quiet space, timer or stopwatch, two pieces of paper

Step 1

Find a partner who will practice a friendly argument with you.

Step 2

Pick a simple opinion topic to argue such as "Is ice cream better than cake?"

Step 3

Decide who will argue for the topic and who will argue against it.

Step 4

Give each person one piece of paper and one pen or pencil.

Step 5

Take two minutes to quietly write three facts or reasons that support your side.

Step 6

Set a one-minute timer for the opening speaker.

Step 7

The person arguing for the topic speaks for one minute using facts and respectful words while the partner listens without interrupting.

Step 8

The person arguing against the topic speaks for one minute using facts and respectful words while the partner listens without interrupting.

Step 9

The person who started first asks one polite clarifying question about the other person's points.

Step 10

The other person answers the clarifying question calmly and using a fact or example.

Step 11

The first speaker gives a 45-second rebuttal using facts and staying respectful.

Step 12

The second speaker gives a 45-second rebuttal using facts and staying respectful.

Step 13

The first person says one thing they learned from the other person's point of view.

Step 14

The second person says one thing they learned from the first person's point of view.

Step 15

Share your finished friendly argument on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

If I don't have paper, a pen, or a timer, what can we use instead for the two-minute writing and one-minute speaking steps?

Use a smartphone or tablet notes app in place of paper and pen, set the one-minute and 45-second timers with the device's clock, or write facts on a whiteboard or sticky note during the two-minute quiet writing step.

What should we do if one partner keeps interrupting during the opening speeches or the clarifying question step?

Pause the timer, remind the interrupter of the rule to 'listen without interrupting' during the opening one-minute speeches, and ask them to refer to their written three facts from the two-minute step to stay focused when it’s their turn to speak.

How can we adapt the activity for younger kids or make it more challenging for older kids?

For younger children (ages 5–7) pick very simple topics, shorten speaking times to about 20–30 seconds, and let an adult help write the three facts on the paper, while older kids can research evidence beforehand, pick tougher topics, and extend rebuttals to 60 seconds.

How can we improve or personalize the friendly argument to make it more fun or educational before sharing on DIY.org?

Add a neutral judge who scores speakers on respectful words, use of facts, and listening after the 45-second rebuttals, record the session on a phone, and decorate the paper with drawings or headings to personalize the final piece for posting on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to practice a friendly, structured argument with a partner

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Should Kids Always Try To Solve Conflicts Peacefully? - Gen Alpha Adventures

4 Videos

Facts about conflict resolution and communication skills for kids

🎭 Arguing the other person's view (role-switching) is a quick empathy-building trick.

🗣️ Friendly debates teach kids to explain their ideas clearly and listen for counterarguments.

🧠 Practicing structured arguments boosts critical thinking and helps kids spot weak evidence.

🤝 Respectful language and turn-taking make disagreements more likely to end with both people still friends.

🕒 Timed turns (even 60–90 seconds) help everyone get a fair chance to speak and stay focused.

How do you practice a friendly, structured argument with a child?

Set clear rules and a neutral topic. Explain the goal: practice reasoning, turn-taking, and respectful language. Give each person a timed turn (e.g., 60–90 seconds) to state claims with facts while the other listens without interrupting. Use a talking object and let listeners jot down questions. After both speak, allow short rebuttals and finish with a reflection where each partner summarizes the other's viewpoint to reinforce perspective-taking.

What materials do I need for a friendly argument practice?

You only need a calm space and a few simple tools: a timer to keep turns equal, a talking stick or object to show who speaks, index cards for topics and fact slips, pencils and paper for notes, and a posted chart of ground rules (respect, no insults, use evidence). Optional items include a feelings thermometer, role cards (speaker/listener), or visual prompts to help younger children with turn-taking and calming techniques.

What ages is this activity suitable for?

This activity suits children about 6–14 years old with adjustments. Ages 6–9 benefit from simple topics, shorter turns (30–60 seconds), and adult modeling. Ages 10–14 can handle more complex subjects, longer turns, and evidence-based reasoning. Teens may choose topics and reflect more deeply. Always supervise younger kids, keep topics age-appropriate, and pause if a child becomes emotionally overwhelmed.

What are the benefits of practicing friendly, structured arguments with children?

Practicing friendly arguments builds critical thinking, listening, and empathy. Kids learn to support claims with facts, take turns, and understand opposing views, improving reasoning and communication. The structure reduces impulsive reactions by teaching respectful language and self-control, strengthens conflict-resolution skills, and boosts confidence in expressing ideas. Regular practice helps children disagree constructively without harming relationships, benefiting both social and academic

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Have an argument

Have an argument

How Can Young People Resolve Conflicts Peacefully? - Gen Alpha Adventures

Should Kids Always Try To Solve Conflicts Peacefully? - Gen Alpha Adventures

4 Videos

How do you practice a friendly, structured argument with a child?

What materials do I need for a friendly argument practice?

What ages is this activity suitable for?

What are the benefits of practicing friendly, structured arguments with children?