Debate is an activity which can help young children learn to be part of a team without experiencing the intense competition that is present in athletics. For children, a focus on developing communication skills rather than on competition in debate can help foster attitudes of open-mindedness, fairness, and tolerance for the viewpoints of others. Examples of successful programs aimed at young children include: (1) "Kidspeak," an after-school program for grades three through six designed to teach oral communication skills; (2) a Florida State Department of Education program for middle school students; and (3) a cross-generational debate program emphasizing communication skills developed as a 4-H project. (RS)