The Art of Argument/Speech and Debate (Grades 5th-9th)

Do your kids love to argue? Do you want to strengthen your son or daughter’s ability to defend what they believe in? Are you interested in helping them engage effectively with people they disagree with? If you answered yes to any of these questions then this class is for you! We will learn many forms of arguments and logical fallacies utilizing the book “The Art of Argument” by Classical Academic Press. Each class we will briefly discuss the material in the book, but most of our class time will be spent debating. We will create a classroom full of spirited discussion, complete with at least 3 formal debates. This class will require the kids to not only discuss and defend what they believe or agree with, but also to take the opposite side to delve into their opponents arguments. They will leave the semester with not only the skills of expressing their own arguments, but also the knowledge to recognize weak arguments and how to oppose them with grace and clarity. This class will have required homework of approximately .5 to 1 hour per week.

This class can be repeated! We will cover new debate topics each semester.

Link to OPTIONAL curriculum:

https://classicalacademicpress.com/products/the-art-of-argument?_pos=4&_sid=0c5883431&_ss=r

**Please note that this class may have mature topics appropriate for high school aged students. This class is a great elective for your high school students and can be recorded as 5 units. **

Payment in full by December 1 via Zelle (kdevico@gmail.com) or Venmo.

The Art of Argument - Speech and Debate SPRING 2026 (Grades 5th-9th)