I’m promoting an experiential learning experience. The chance to stand up in front of people and have your say about things. (before you have all the knowledge, strategy and confidence normally associated with debating) I actually think this can motivate those who are struggling with their reading and writing skills. Verbal experience comes before writing skill according to primary teachers I’ve consulted.

I distilled a list of the things I had observed occurring when children took up the challenge of putting forth their ideas at such a young age. Every statement on the list was a summary of many experiences and reflections from my life as a teacher and learner.

I’m not surprised you aren’t convinced with so little information. This list was meant to be an advertisement for the work I do in schools. The idea was to create enough interest that a teacher or parent might make contact regarding a program in their school. Or to discuss the ideas more fully. Most people don’t make the time to read long explanations- they don’t have the time or interest.

While I teach debating to young people, I’m really a practical, intuitive thinker. I find my mind makes new links between bits of information which other people don’t usually put together. It’s a creative process that I don’t have control of – the insights and connections just come to me. It took me a long time to realise this was different from the logical step by step deductions which others relied upon. More importantly came the recognition that this way of knowing was equally valuable in the world.

In most cases schools offer debating as an extension activity for gifted students. What I discovered is its value as a model and stimulation for those with different learning styles/speeds and uneven development.

In one of my other posts I mention a BBC Documentary series which explores some of these issues as they relate to young boys learning in primary school. It was a great relief and inspiration to find someone else with similar insights to my own.

I will reflect further on providing more detail to document and connect my ideas more fully. Luckily although the insight comes intuitively, I can with enough time usually tease out how the links were made. Thank you for your interest.

Lesli Grant

The standard practice is to quote the person and give credit by mentioning their name. Eg Lesli Grant of GOZONE Debating says….I don’t mind as long as the blog is not involving adult themes/sexual issues. I work with children, I”m not interested in links with sites which are disrespectful of others. As long as these things are honoured, you can quote me.
Lesli

apologies
Lesli

with thanks
Lesli Grant