Both having been at SIS for numerous years, and participating in this day in the position of chairs and delegates, the two DP1 students aim to “make them used to the MUN setting… and introduce them to formal debate so that they can do well in grade 8” when they will have to be involved with the older high school kids. The board was already filled with colourful text to inform the middle school and make this experience as entertaining as possible.
Being aware of the short attention spans of the children, Victoria M. wishes to stop the moderated caucus and switch to more entertaining traditions. She said that “After lunch it starts to get tiring for the young kids and [they] don’t want to debate any longer, but doing crafts while still keeping the regular MUN procedure”
Annika O. shared that her goal as a chair is to change the traditional ways of debating, which in previous years made her dread this day. When asked what her favourite part of this day is, she immediately responded with Poster resolutions; she added that “when [she] was in grade 6, [they] had to write document resolutions, but now [the grade 6s] get to collaborate and work in groups”. The resolution is a crucial part of this day as it acts as closure. By coming up with solutions to global issues, the students learn key skills such as collaboration and peaceful communication in tense political situations, while still having fun and crafting colourful posters. This day is exciting and new for these middle schoolers, and the chairs aim to keep this excitement and joy throughout the entire day and as they leave the room.
Something which everyone looks forward to is the famous and renowned gossip box. “[Victoria M.] likes to add my own gossip into the box and pretend the kids wrote it. It starts friendly and innocent drama. If they don’t have the attention span or ability to handle hours of debate, the box allows them to remain awake and amused.”
The grade level is currently on break, but the debate is about to commence in a few minutes. An ice breaker is the first step to this day, and will hopefully remove the fear and shyness which is found in numerous students. So, according to you, what’s better: chocolate or vanilla?
