March Mathness Activities Even Non-Sporty Students Will Love

Hi there, teacher friends! As we approach the month of March, why not bring the excitement of March Madness (or March Mathness – you decide!) into your classroom? This thrilling basketball tournament doesn’t have to be limited to sports enthusiasts; it can be a fantastic opportunity to engage and motivate your kids in a fun and educational way. In this blog post, we’ll explore six creative ways to celebrate March Mathness or March Madness and bring the spirit of March Madness into your elementary classroom.

March Madness Activity #1: Create a Class Book about the History of Basketball:

Kick off March Madness with a slam dunk by creating a class book about the history of basketball. Gather your students to research and compile interesting facts, milestones, and iconic players. This collaborative effort not only enhances teamwork but also introduces valuable research skills.

Want to make it strictly March Mathness? No problem – You can even tie in some math by incorporating statistics about the game. The end result will be a cherished classroom resource that combines literacy and history with the excitement of March Madness.

Fun tip: Make copies for students to “check out” of your classroom library to take home and share with their family!

March Madness Activity # 2: Choose a Favorite Book Using a Bracket

Inspired by Catherine from the Brown Bag Teacher and Brittany from Miss 5th, adapt the concept for your classroom by selecting a favorite book from the year using a bracket displayed on the whiteboard or bulletin board. Allow students to vote and discuss their choices in each round, fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills. This activity seamlessly integrates literacy and friendly competition, making reading even more enjoyable for your young learners. Hold the final vote on a Friday and celebrate by having a special re-reading of the book.

March Mathness Idea #3: Class vs. Class Game Tournament

Inject a bit of friendly competition into your March Mathness celebration with a Class vs. Class Tournament. Utilize Knockout games (Psst…use this free March Madness pack, which you can find here). This tournament not only promotes teamwork but also offers an opportunity to reinforce math concepts in a dynamic and enjoyable way. Let the games begin!

March Mathness Idea #4: Design a Basketball Court/Stadium

Encourage creativity in your classroom by having students design their own basketball court or stadium. This artistic option not only taps into their imagination but also provides an excellent platform to discuss spatial concepts and measurements like perimeter. Display their masterpieces proudly, turning your classroom into a mini basketball arena filled with the excitement of March Madness.

March Madness Idea #5: Write Poems about Basketball

Fuse language arts and March Madness by having your students write poems about basketball. You can refer to my blog post about free poetry activities in the classroom for inspiration. Share a basketball-themed poem to spark their creativity. This activity not only enhances literacy skills but also allows students to express their appreciation for the sport in a unique and artistic way.

March Mathness Idea #6: Divide Classroom Students into Teams

Transform your classroom into a supportive (but also competitive) community by dividing students into teams for the month. Encourage collaboration and positive behavior by having teams earn points and prizes together. This initiative promotes teamwork, reinforces positive behavior, and instills a sense of unity among your young learners.

Fun tip: Use the team generator inside any of my Knockout bundles!

As March approaches, consider incorporating these March Madness activities into your K-3 classroom. From literacy to math, teamwork to creativity, these activities not only celebrate the spirit of March Madness or March Mathness but also provide valuable educational experiences for your students. Let the excitement of the tournament inspire your classroom to reach new heights of learning and collaboration.

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