Build On It Debate Relay: Free Printable Game for Year 8

Build On It Debate Relay is a free printable game for Year 8 (ages 12 to 13). Children take turns to speak on a motion. Each speaker summarises the point before theirs, uses a starter phrase, then builds on it. A listener holds the sheet and scores, so everyone has a job.

It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages. Page 1 is the game. Page 2 is for the grown up. Black and white printing works well.

What is on the sheet

Page 1 is a game sheet for a small group. It has a table with columns for Motion, Speaker 1, Speaker 2, Speaker 3, Speaker 4 and Total, plus a checklist to tick off. Four starter phrases help speakers begin: Adding to that, I see it differently because, Building on your point, and Taking that one step further. The listener scores in pencil.

• Motion
• Speaker 1
• Speaker 2
• Speaker 3
• Speaker 4
• Total
• Adding to that, ...
• I see it differently because ...
• Building on your point, ...
• Taking that one step further, ...

Why practise structured debate?

Skills and curriculum link

• Summarising
• Building on ideas
• Active listening
• Speaking in turn
• Using starter phrases
• Fair scoring

Ideas for helpers

• A good summaryA summary keeps the main point and leaves out the small detail. It is shorter than the original. It uses the last speaker's idea, not a new one.
• What building on meansBuilding on a point means adding something new to it, such as a reason, an example or a result. Repeating the point in different words is not the same thing.
• Disagreeing wellYou can disagree with an idea and still be polite to the person. Give a reason, and say which part of the point you are answering.
• Listening for the key ideaA listener can look out for the one idea each speaker is trying to get across. That makes it easier to judge whether a summary was fair.

Key words

• MotionA statement that a group debates, such as one side agreeing with it and another disagreeing.
• RelayA task passed from one person to the next, so each person adds their part.
• SummariseSay the main point again in fewer words, without adding new ideas.
• Build onAdd something new to an idea, such as a reason or an example.
• StarterA short phrase that helps you begin your turn.
• Active listeningListening closely so that you can respond to what was really said.

How to use it

1. Print both pages. Page 1 is for the group. Keep page 2 for the grown up.
2. Put children in groups and choose a listener. The listener holds the sheet and a pencil. Read the first motion aloud.
3. Speaker 1 talks for their turn. Each speaker after that summarises the last point, uses a starter, then builds on it. Use a timer of 45 seconds per turn.
4. After each motion, the listener scores in the table. Swap the listener and read the next motion.
5. Add up the totals at the end and check page 2 together. Come back another day, because repeating a familiar game builds confidence.

Help, stretch and game ideas

Talk about it

• What makes a summary fair to the person who said it?
• Which starter phrase felt easiest to use? Which felt hardest?
• When is it right to change your mind during a debate?
• What is the difference between building on a point and just repeating it?
• How can you show you disagree without making the other person feel small?
• What did the listener notice that the speakers missed?

Take it off the page

Who it is for

Where this skill fits

Before this, children learn to retell what they have read or heard, take turns in pair talk and give a reason for an opinion. Summarising a speaker's point is a step up, because it asks them to listen closely and then respond to the exact idea.

After this, children can move on to longer, more formal debates, prepared speeches and group presentations. Summarising and building on ideas also helps with written work, such as comparing viewpoints and writing balanced arguments.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What age is Build On It Debate Relay for?

It is written for Year 8 (ages 12 to 13) in Key Stage 3. Older or younger children can also join in, as long as they can follow a spoken motion and give a reason for what they think.

How many people do I need?

You need a small group. The table has columns for four speakers, and one more person can act as listener. With fewer people, speakers can take more than one turn. This is our own suggestion for adapting it.

What does the listener do?

The listener holds the sheet and scores in pencil. They need to listen carefully to each turn, so they can judge how well the speaker summarised and built on the point. Swap the listener after each motion.

What if my child is shy about speaking?

Start with the sentence frame on page 2 and allow a few seconds of thinking time. Let them go later in the order, or try a first round at home with just family before playing with a group.

Can I use it as a classroom activity?

Yes. It works as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 has help and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.

Is this a screen free activity?

Yes. It needs only paper, a pencil and a timer. It suits quiet time, rainy days and school holidays, and it gets children talking and listening to each other face to face.

Where are the answers?

Page 2 is for the grown up. It has notes on how to use the sheet, help ideas, a stretch idea and the answers. Keep it separate until the group has finished playing.