The Great Debaters
5th-graders chose sides and made their arguments.
By the end of their Capstone year at JCDS, our 5th-graders have emerged as poised, articulate communicators who are skilled in the art of forming, researching, and defending thoughtful opinions. They confidently craft arguments supported by strong evidence, whether in polished writing or compelling oral presentations, demonstrating a level of preparation that positions them well for the rigors of middle school.
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Writing teacher Stephanie Teitelbaum challenged them with a sophisticated assignment that would test even high-school students: select a side on a complex issue, conduct thorough research, develop a complete argumentative essay, and then deliver a structured debate before their peers.
Each student selected a topic aligned with their interests and formed a clear, evidence-based stance. Their options included:
• Should zoos be banned?
• Traditional textbooks vs. digital textbooks
• Should youth sports concentrate on skills development or winning?
• Should kids be paid to do chores?
While the topics naturally sparked strong feelings, the students moved beyond emotion to build robust, logical cases. They dove into reliable sources, gathered credible evidence, and learned to cite it properly, creating full “works cited” pages and incorporating precise in-text citations within their essays. This process honed their ability to construct arguments worthy of advanced academic settings.
After refining their essays through review and revision, the students collaborated in debate teams to craft professional scripts that thoughtfully presented both sides of each issue, preparing them to anticipate counterarguments and respond with clarity and respect.
"This group of students showed what it really means to be thoughtful thinkers and strong communicators," said Ms. Teitelbaum. "They asked questions, challenged ideas respectfully, and supported their claims with solid evidence. Their commitment to improving their work and supporting one another made this entire experience truly special."
After refining their essays through review and revision, the students collaborated in debate teams to craft professional scripts that thoughtfully presented both sides of each issue, preparing them to anticipate counterarguments and respond with clarity and respect.
"This group of students showed what it really means to be thoughtful thinkers and strong communicators," said Ms. Teitelbaum. "They asked questions, challenged ideas respectfully, and supported their claims with solid evidence. Their commitment to improving their work and supporting one another made this entire experience truly special."
The students’ deep convictions, backed by preparation, resulted in exceptionally persuasive presentations.
"Some of their arguments were so compelling that they even made me reconsider my own thinking, especially when they presented research and examples about zoos that pushed me to question my own assumptions," said Ms. Teitelbaum.
The excellence of their work extended all the way to school leadership. Director of Education Ms. Tonya Elstein observed the debates with great interest and provided detailed written feedback to every group.
"The growth we witnessed in our 5th graders during last week’s debates was nothing short of inspiring," said Ms. Elstein. "With confident, expressive voices and thoughtfully crafted visual props and presentations, our 5th graders brought their beliefs to life in ways that truly reflected their deep knowledge, research, and preparation."
She noted how their smooth transitions and respectful yet persuasive responses revealed not only the depth of their learning, but how thoroughly ready they are for the intellectual challenges of middle school.
"They didn’t just participate, they led, they communicated, and they impressed. Look out, debate teams!” Ms. Elstein boasted.
Jacksonville Country Day School
Located in Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville Country Day School is a private school for Pre-K 3 through 5th grade. JCDS prepares students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility.
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