Debate and Public Speaking word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Debate and Public Speaking word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this debate and public speaking puzzle set for my 4th graders during our communication skills unit. The kids could argue just fine, but they had no idea what words like claim, evidence, or rebuttal meant when we talked about the parts of an argument. They also kept mixing up "argument" and "disagreement" or weren't sure what a "closing statement" was for . So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like debate, claim, evidence, reasoning, rebuttal, counterargument, opening statement, closing statement, eye contact, posture, volume, and practice . I also threw in a few like "pacing" and "gesture" because they came up when we watched videos of kids giving speeches .

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about the spelling of "rebuttal" or whether a "counterargument" is just a fancy word for "disagreement" . The crossword I use for partners or as a review after we've practiced a few rounds of debate . I added a couple simple podium, microphone, and speech bubble drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for 4th through 6th grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write one claim they could use in a debate on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.