Pick a side to start the clock.
Yes team could say
No team could say
Your turn
- Can you think of another reason?
Swipe for the next card. Pinch, or tap ▦, to see them all.
Debate cards that get 5 to 8 year olds thinking, listening and speaking up.
Debate Mate Junior is a simple card game. Each card has a fun question, like “Pizza is better than pasta.” One team speaks for it, one team speaks against it, and each gets 30 seconds. Flip the card to see ideas if you get stuck.
There are no scores, no winners and no sign-up. The goal is brave, kind speaking.
Choose Warm-up or Challenge, then swipe through the cards, or pinch to see them all.
Split into a Yes team and a No team, or flip a coin. Everyone argues their side, even if they disagree.
Tap Yes team for 30 seconds of speaking, then tap No team. Stop the clock any time.
The back of the card has example arguments for both sides. Then try a new card.
Warm-up cards use everyday topics like pets, food and play, with short, simple ideas.
Challenge cards tackle bigger topics, like technology, fairness and the planet, with more detailed arguments.
Try it at the dinner table, on car trips or at bedtime. No setup needed.
Put it on the screen for a whole class. Read the cards aloud for early readers.
Debating is practice for talking and thinking clearly. Starting young makes it feel like a game, not a test, and the skills last well beyond childhood.
Thirty seconds with friends or family is a safe way to get used to speaking up.
Every argument needs a “because”. Kids learn to back up what they think.
To answer the other team, you first have to hear what they said.
Arguing a side you don’t agree with builds empathy and open minds.
New topics bring new words and ideas to talk about.
Clear speaking and respectful disagreement help in school, work and everyday life.
Pick a side to start the clock.
Swipe for the next card. Pinch, or tap ▦, to see them all.