Help pupils build confidence in speaking and listening with this quick, ready-to-use debate pack from Smart School Councils.
Why it works
A short debate is an engaging way to develop oracy skills. Pupils share opinions, listen to others, and practise clear communication. It also supports reading for pleasure by helping children think about World Book Day in a deeper way.
About the activity
First, Smart School Councils have created a debate for classrooms called “Is dressing up distracting from the main point of World Book Day?”
Next, it can be opened in minutes and does not need logins or set-up. Pupils take part by discussing the question and voting as a group.
How to use it
- Open the debate link and add your school name.
- Then introduce the question and give pupils time to think.
- After that invite children to share ideas in pairs, small groups, or as a class.
- Finally, record your class vote through the online tool.
- Return on World Book Day to see the updated debate. It includes responses from schools across the country.
Extra support for teachers
Smart School Councils also offer a weekly debate pack with prompts, questions, and a factsheet to support a paragraph-writing lesson.
Join the Smart School Councils Community
Finally, if you want to build pupil voice and give all children a role in school decision-making, you can explore the Smart School Councils community. Smart School Councils offer a World Book Day discount for schools that want to get started.
Find out more
Smart School Councils World Book Day offer