Do you know what makes great debate topics for kids? It’s something that is interesting, controversial, and relevant to kids. In this blog post, we will discuss the 7 best debate topics for elementary students. These questions will help get your students thinking critically and debating with each other. But there is a twist—not only can students answer these questions conversationally, but they can also write about them in their Practically Paperless journals.

So without further ado, here are the 7 best debate topics for kids:

Debate Topics for Kids That Will Make Waves

Opinion Question #1: Should kids have homework? Why or why not?

This is a thought-provoking question because it gets kids thinking about the purpose of homework. Is it to help them learn more? Or is it just busy work? This debate topic can go either way, and there are valid arguments for both sides. It’s a great question to get kids thinking critically about their own schooling experience.

If you’re looking for an opinion question that will surprise your students (watch opinions change before your eyes!), this is the one.

Opinion Question #2: Is our president a good leader? Why or why not?

I love this one because it gets kids thinking about what it means to be a good leader. It also gets them thinking about whether or not they agree with the policies of our current president. While this can be tricky with our younger students, it can also lead to productive discussions about copying the opinion of others vs. establishing your own. This debate topic can get pretty heated, but that’s what makes it so great!

Debate Topics for Kids That Will Make Students Introspective

Opinion Question #3: Do you think college is important? Explain.

This is a great question because it gets kids thinking about their future plans. It also gets them thinking about whether or not they believe college is the best path for everyone. Learning trades is an increasingly popular opinion, so this debate topic can get kids thinking about all sorts of different paths they could take in life.

Sidebar: If you’re a sucker for writing prompts like I am, make sure to check out the Halloween writing prompts and Thanksgiving writing prompts.

Opinion Question #4: Is it more important to be rich or happy?

This question is always an interesting one to ask, especially to explore the merits of two drastically different traits. Dive into the material side of life and the meaningful side of life in a conversation that you’ll most likely never forget ?

Debate Topics for Kids That Will Make Them Examine Their World

Opinion Question #5: Who should get paid more, athletes or scientists?

Prepare for some passionate conversations with this one! I love this debate topic because it gets kids thinking about what they value. Are we valuing athletes more than we are valuing scientists? Why or why not? This is a great question to get kids thinking critically about society.

Opinion Question #6: Do you think one recess per day is enough?

Asking kids about recess is always a fun debate topic! This question gets kids thinking about how they would like to spend their recess time. Would they like more time to play? Or do they think one recess is enough?

Opinion Question #7: Should kids have a later bedtime? Why or why not?

I love this question because it gets kids thinking about their own sleep habits. It also gets them thinking about how they would like to spend their evenings. Would they like more time to play? Or do they think a later bedtime is better?

These are just a few of the great debate topics for kids that you can use in your classroom. Do you have any to add? Comment below!

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If you’d like to see the entire pack of prompts (all of the above are some of the “Weigh In Wednesday” prompts in this pack >>>), click here.