Team building

Philosophical Chairs

Students physically move to the side of the room that matches their view on a debatable statement, then argue respectfully, moving if they change their mind.

  • πŸŽ“ Grades 6–12
  • ⏱ 20–45 min
  • πŸ‘₯ Whole class
  • πŸ“¦ Low prep
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How to play Philosophical Chairs

  1. Post a debatable statement, such as "Homework should be banned."
  2. Students move to the Agree side, the Disagree side, or a small Undecided middle.
  3. Sides take turns: one speaker at a time, and each must summarize the last speaker before adding a point.
  4. Students may cross the room whenever an argument changes their mind.
  5. End with a written reflection: what argument moved you most?

Variations

  • Use a statement about a novel, a historical decision or a science ethics question.

πŸ’‘ Teacher tips

  • Post sentence frames: "I agree with ___ because..." and "I see your point, but..."

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