created by Sian Trombley 

GRADE: 5/6 

CRITICAL CHALLENGE: Identify approximately four to five points that clearly argue for a specific side on the issue of letting only some immigrants into Canada, and debate them. 

OVERVIEW: Students are asked to compile a list of ideas, points, and arguments for a specific side on an issue about immigration. In two groups, students choose the most important four to five points, and debate them with the other half of the class. When the debate is over, the students will discuss what they found challenging when in a debate. 

• Who are immigrants?
• Different ethnic groups that have immigrated in the past and the future
• Contributions immigrants have made in the past and future
• Current news issues
• Debate strategies

• Different points about the issue of immigration
• Important points narrowed down and chosen
• Co-operation among debate groups

• Point of view

• Debate - present argument
• Refute ideas

• Respect for others views
• Ability to express ones point of view clearly and politely
• Backing up points of view using references to the world
• Open-mindedness

• Using a debate strategy, number the students off from one to two. Number ones will be responsible for one side of an issue, while number twos will be responsible for the other side
• Each group will be given an issue sheet on immigration, stating two different sides. Students will first work individually reading the issue that they've been given. They will brainstorm ideas, points, and arguments for their side of the issue.
• Students, in their groups, discuss their points and arguments, and choose the best 4-5. A person in the group will record the points on a piece of paper in order to refer back to at a later date.
• Present critical challenge: Identify 4-5 points that clearly argue for your specific side on the issue of letting only some immigrants into Canada, and debate them.
• Have the students in group one sitting on one side of the classroom, and group two on the opposite side. Have the group designate a speaker for that group, or one speaker for each point debated. Remind the students not to be rude, and to listen carefully to the speaker without interrupting.
• Ask group one to state their first point and when they are finished give group two time to think of a response for that point. Make sure that the group is cooperating. If necessary, give them a little help. Each point will be presented this way until the debate is over.
• Discuss with the class as a whole, the aspects of the debate they found difficult, and how they could fix problems for future debates. Make sure to reinforce the students by telling them how well some points were argued and the cooperative way each group worked. If they need to work on some specific aspects for the future, make sure to mention that as well.

• Assess students understanding of the issue presented. Can they present their points in an effective manner? Can students work cooperatively as a team?

• Have the students do a journal entry about their debating experience.

• Have the students do a report on one of the points presented in the debate.

Grade 5, Grade 6

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