WHY:

 

Debate Camp has developed its learning kit after many summers of watching how campers learn. Middle School campers need a variety of ways in which to learn and retain knowledge. As a Debate Camp instructor, it is important that you employ variety in your instructional approach - and the kit available helps this. There are visuals, topics that can be reviewed in small groups and read aloud. There are tactiles, workbooks, learning props - inclusive of visuals, short animations, slides and things to read individually and in small groups. All of this is meant to ensure that a wide variety of learners can access knowledge; to touch, hear, cue to visuals, share ideas with a friend all ahead of trying their first debate round.

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HOW:

 

Things to ensure you take with you into any workshop:

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• RESOURCES CADDY

Debate Camp is nicely equipped with simple resource caddies in which can be stored camper program books, paper, dry erase markers, pencils along with few games and activities.  Never head off to your workshop without the materials needed for campers to retain their learning, take notes in advance of their first debates, inclusive of extra paper and sharpened pencils.

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• GAMES

Some workshops will run long, particularly as debater speaking time increases.  Some, however, will run short and things will be done ahead of break and / or lunch time.  It makes for a far better workshop if you have some games and activities to play, was you keep their minds engaged for the last 15 minutes of the designate time block.  Ensure your caddy has a few options packed along to guarantee your workshop and / or debate round is engaging from start to finish.

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• TECH

Debate Camp has a lot of visual resources, including simple slides sets that cover the basics of the main curriculum areas covered at camp - - as well as short instructional videos.  While teaching is not about reverting to these methods in exclusivity - they can enhance camper learning for a few key minutes of each workshop.  Ensure your room is equipped (in advance) with a working projector, should you plan on using the digital material available.

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• PROJECTILES / TACTILES

Campers often benefit from having something in their hands as they think and speak.  Having something to use as a "take turns speaking" tool and / or ideas exchange - that is super safe if thrown, can greatly enhance a workshop.  Use only director-approved items - and plan well on their purpose.  Know to keep it brief if you feel camper energy is becoming hard to manage.  But if done right, with a clear purpose - having something to safely pass around the room can add to the structure of a workshop.

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