The Hate U Give Lesson Plan: Walk Out Debate

Now is the time more than ever to not only teach our students about Civil Disobedience tactics but also help our students learn how to debate so that they can go out into the "world" active change agents. This lesson will do just that! Additionally, it will serve as a great hook or through lesson when students read The Hate U Give, especially when they read Chapter 11 where students choose to walk out of school for the wrong reasons. Essentially, students come up to the front of the room and debate whether or not it is appropriate for teenagers to miss school and walk out to express their political ideas. The packet includes a debate sheet students fill out as audience members as well as a set of six arguments per position and six rebuttals against those arguments. That way, if students are "stuck," they have a notes sheet they can refer to to assist them in the debate. Also, students have an opportunity to vote for whom of their peers won the debate and then write at the end of the lesson what their position is. Students really do love debating in front of the room if teachers guide them in the process and create a safe space for them to express their ideas! Please check out my store for journal prompts for every chapter of The Hate U Give as well as anticipation guides, tests, and more.