What if you could combine a love of reading with the thrill of competition? Welcome to the March Madness Tournament of Books – an event that has become a highlight for students in my district.
The Inception:
Several years ago, after seeing the idea online, I introduced the March Madness Tournament of Books to my fourth and fifth-grade students, sparking an annual tradition that has now become a much anticipated part of our spring activities. The enthusiasm is so contagious that even second and third graders can’t wait for their chance to be a part of it.
The Setup:
The tournament, mirroring the iconic college basketball event, unfolds over four weeks leading up to spring break. The initial lineup comprises of sixteen carefully chosen books.
I print copies of the covers and laminate them. The books I choose change each year and must meet at least one of these qualifications.
They are either:
- A book I read in class to them
- A book they read as a novel study in their classroom
- A popular title that most students have checked out/read
This method ensures that the students are familiar with the books, setting the stage for an engaging and inclusive competition.
The Voting Process:
Every week during library class, fourth and fifth graders cast their votes for the books they believe should advance to the next round. This year I am using a Canva-designed ballot, although when I started this, I used ballots I created on Word, so it doesn’t have to be anything complicated or fancy. The anticipation builds, and on Friday afternoons, the bracket is updated with the results, creating a buzz of excitement among students and teachers alike.
If you would like an editable copy of my ballots, click here.
Community Engagement:
Recognizing the power of community involvement, I use the school’s Facebook group to keep families in the loop. Tournament updates are shared, encouraging families to share their thoughts and favorites. This collaborative approach not only fosters a sense of community but also extends the literary dialogue beyond the classroom.
And the Winner is…
As the tournament progresses, the original sixteen contenders are whittled down through weekly votes until only two remain. The final championship showdown determines the ultimate winner, which is then added to the “March Madness Tournament of Books Hall of Fame,” which is simply a paper trophy I display with the year and title of each winner.
Fair Play:
To keep the competition fair and inclusive, the reigning champion from the previous year is excluded from the current edition. This rule ensures that no single book dominates the tournament (hello, Harry Potter!).
The March Madness Tournament of Books blends the love of literature with the excitement of competition, and is a low-cost, low-effort initiative that has students engaged and excited about literature.