Middle School Court: Back to School Edition
Middle School Court: Back-to-School Edition
The courtroom is open... and middle school is officially back in session!
Looking for a fun, structured, low-prep non-traditional icebreaker that gets students talking, laughing, and building relationships during the first weeks of school?
Welcome to Middle School Court: Back-to-School Edition—an engaging classroom debate game where students put common back-to-school habits and middle school behaviors on trial.
Instead of another first-day lecture or awkward icebreaker... turn classroom habits into meaningful conversations students actually enjoy.
What Is It?
Students take on the roles of:
Prosecution
Defense
Jury
Together, they'll debate hilarious and relatable back-to-school "cases" like:
• The People vs. Summer Brain
• The People vs. The Seat Saver
• The People vs. The Hallway Wanderer
• The People vs. The Name Forgetter
Each case encourages students to:
✔ Build arguments
✔ Use evidence
✔ Listen respectfully
✔ Consider different perspectives
✔ Vote and justify their decisions
It's the perfect combination of laughter, teamwork, and critical thinking.
Why Teachers Love This Resource
⭐ No prep required
⭐ Ready-to-use Google Slides
⭐ Perfect for the first week of school
⭐ Builds classroom community
⭐ Encourages student participation
⭐ Gets students talking from Day 1
⭐ Reinforces communication and collaboration
⭐ Makes back-to-school fun and memorable
Skills Students Practice
✔ Communication
✔ Active Listening
✔ Perspective Taking
✔ Public Speaking
✔ Critical Thinking
✔ Respectful Debate
✔ Teamwork
✔ Problem Solving
✔ Community Building
What's Included
✔ Ready-to-use Google Slides (not editable)
✔ Teacher Instructions
✔ Student Directions
✔ Reflection Question Slide and printable reflection worksheet to use as an exit ticket
✔ Editable blank case slide so you can create custom cases tailored to your students,
classroom, or school.
Perfect For:
Back-to-School
First Week of School
Icebreakers
Classroom Community
SEL Lessons
Advisory
Team Building
Homeroom
Morning Meetings
Because the best classroom communities aren't built by talking at students. They're built by talking with them.