What Is SPAR Debate—and Why Do Kids Love It?

If your child loves asking questions, thinking on their feet, or making a case for why they should get a later bedtime—they might just fall in love with SPAR Debate.

At Forensics Forever, SPAR (Spontaneous Argumentation) is one of our most-loved events for elementary and middle school students—and for good reason. It’s quick, it’s fun, and it builds skills students will use in every area of life.

What is SPAR Debate?

SPAR is a short, fast-paced debate where two students go head-to-head on a random topic. They get 1–2 minutes to prepare, followed by quick alternating speeches and rebuttals, then a final summary.

Topics can be silly or serious:

🐶 “Are dogs better than cats?”
📱 “Should kids have phones before age 13?”
🍕 “Is pineapple on pizza amazing or awful?”

The format is short, fun, and low-pressure—which makes it perfect for beginners. Students learn to structure an argument, stay calm under time pressure, and respond respectfully—all without needing to memorize anything.

Why Kids (and Parents) Love It

SPAR is fun, but it also teaches:

✅ Quick Thinking: Students learn to analyze, organize, and respond fast
✅ Persuasion: How to support ideas with evidence and logic
✅ Respectful Rebuttal: Disagreeing without being disagreeable
✅ Confidence: They realize they can speak, argue, and stand up for their ideas!

We use SPAR in both the Elementary and Middle School Clubs, and it’s often a highlight during Challenge Weeks and in tournaments.

🎤 Want your child to try SPAR, build critical thinking, and have fun learning to speak?

✅ Our clubs are open to Grades 3–8 (Don’t worry, we’ve got K-2 covered too!)
✅ Students learn six core events—SPAR is just the beginning
✅ Optional low-cost tournaments available all year
✅ Enroll for the full year and save $500!

🎯 Register now and get started with the Speech & Debate Club »