If Civics is the course to teach children how to be good citizens, about their government and laws, then inevitably you will stumble across some topics that would make even the most seasoned educator squirm.

Even more so, perhaps, than in history, Civics may open your class, your students and your teaching up to debate. This can be a good thing, but it can also derail you, so you have to stay focused like our forefathers and trudge through, debate and all.

Here’s what you can do to smooth your one Classroom Continental Congress:

1. Allow for debate. Totally squelching debate means you’re more likely to be sitting in a pressure cooker. Ain’t nobody got time for that, so allow for debate, but outline some ground rules.

2. Teach the rules of engagement. You might come up with your own debate rules, you might have your class make the rules, or you might look at more formal debate formulas such as the Lincoln-Douglas rules. Whatever you do, make sure that each and every student understands the expectations and follows them.

3. Insist on respect. Make it a rule. Enforce it. Respect is what will keep your class from devolving into a modern day Lord of the Flies (we hope you’d be the Lord or Lady though). Double bonus: everyone can be heard without anyone shouting. Triple bonus: blood pressure levels will not get dangerously high.

4. Remain impartial. As hard as it is, we must remain impartial. Instead ask probing questions: “Why do you think....?” “How might taking that action affect....?” Questions that are designed to get your students thinking are the best kind. They will help promote the critical thinking skills students will need to carry into their adult lives.

Controversial stuff will come up inevitably, but you can handle is with grace and aplomb.

Most of the time you won’t get into trouble, but periodically you may have parents ask about your pedagogy or the wisdom of bringing such issues. Just let them know you are helping their children to build great listening and thinking skills. Be open and honest and you’ll find most parents will be on board.