Model United Nations (MUN) is a powerful way for middle school students to build confidence, develop critical thinking, and strengthen public speaking skills. By representing different countries and debating global issues, students learn to organize their thoughts, present arguments clearly, and collaborate with others in a supportive environment. These experiences help them grow into stronger communicators and problem-solvers. Beyond debate, MUN fosters global awareness, leadership, and teamwork. Students practice research and writing as they prepare for discussions, then apply negotiation and diplomacy to find solutions during conferences. Starting MUN in middle school gives students a head start for high school debate, mock trial, and advanced MUN programs and equipping them with skills that last far beyond the classroom.
This MUN for Grade 6-9 is designed as a full year program with increasing difficulty from Term 1 basics, Term 2 advanced MUN, and Term 3 full simulations, shown as below:
Term 1: Foundations of MUN (12 Weeks)
Focus: Building confidence in public speaking, understanding MUN basics, and learning research/writing skills. Milestone: By the end of Term 1, students can deliver an opening speech, write a position paper, and participate in a structured mock caucus.
- Week 1: Introduction to MUN – What is MUN? Roles, procedures, and fun icebreaker debate
- Week 2: Researching Countries & Global Issues – Building a country profile
- Week3: Writing Position Papers – Structure and practice drafting one
- Week 4: Rules of Procedure I – Motions, points, and parliamentary language
- Week 5: Resolution Writing Basics – Clauses and structure
- Week 6: Persuasive Speaking – Using ethos, pathos, logos effectively
- Week7: Active Listening & Debate Etiquette – Respectful diplomacy
- Week 8: Rhetorical Devices – Repetition, analogies, and powerful word choice
- Week 9: Rules of Procedure II – Moderated vs. unmoderated caucus
- Week 10: Mini-Simulation – Simple global issue (e.g., clean water access)
- Week 11: Mock MUN (Part 1 & 2) – Opening speeches, caucus, drafting resolutions
- Week 12: Reflection & Showcase – Sharing skills learned
Term 2: Expanding MUN Skills (10 Weeks)
Focus: Advanced research, negotiation, resolution drafting, and real-world topics. Milestone: By the end of Term 2, students can lead blocs, negotiate resolutions, and manage complex topics with confidence.
- Week 1: Advanced Argument Construction – Building multi-point cases
- Week 2: Diplomacy & Negotiation Skills – Lobbying and coalition-building
- Week 3: Resolution Writing II – Stronger operative clauses, amendments
- Week 4: Rules of Procedure III – Voting, amendments, yielding
- Week 5: Research on the Fly – Using facts, examples, and general knowledge
- Week 6: Voice & Presence – Strong delivery and debate style
- Week 7: Crisis Committees – Quick thinking under pressure
- Week 8: Current Events in MUN – Applying today’s news to debate
- Week 9: Practice Simulation – More complex issue (e.g., climate change policy)
- Week 10: Mock MUN Conference – Multi-day style with blocs, caucus, and resolution drafting
Term 3: Refinement & Performance (10 Weeks)
Focus: Tournament-style simulations, advanced debate strategy, and leadership. Milestone: By the end of Term 3, students perform in a full-length mock MUN conference with advanced strategy and polished delivery, preparing them for real conferences.
- Week 1: Advanced Framing & Strategy – Big-picture framing and weighing impacts
- Week 2: Polishing Style – Eliminating filler words, refining rhetoric
- Week 3: Adaptability & Thinking on Feet – Responding to surprises, switching positions
- Week 4: Evidence & Data Integrity – Using credible sources, avoiding bias
- Week 5–7: In-Class MUN Tournament – Multiple rounds with increasing difficulty
- Week 8: Specialized Committees – Security Council, WHO, or Crisis
- Week 9: Final MUN Showcase – Full simulation with parents/guests invited
- Week 10: Reflection & Future Pathways – Debrief, how to join high school MUN clubs, preparing for conferences
Program Outcomes
By completing the three-term sequence, students will:
- Speak confidently in formal debate and diplomatic settings
- Research global issues and write strong position papers and resolutions
- Apply negotiation, leadership, and coalition-building skills
- Participate in structured MUN simulations with advanced strategies
- Be fully prepared to join high school MUN clubs and attend official conferences
Note: Since the course builds progressively, it is best for students to start from Term 1.
Instructor:
Alvin Liu
