March can bring some unpredictable classroom energy… but what if you could channel it into something that boosts engagement and hits reading, writing, and discussion standards all at once? In this week’s Teaching Middle school ELA podcast episode, we’re walking you through exactly how to run a March Madness Poetry Bracket in any classroom. From choosing poems and setting up your bracket to building powerful justification skills through authentic voting, this strategy turns poetry into something students actually look forward to. If you’ve ever wanted a way to make poetry feel exciting, competitive, and deeply instructional — this is it. 

Resources Mentioned:

Poetry: A New Perspective YouTube Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhKSG3-joAw

January Bonus Podcast Episode: BONUS: How to Use EB Resources With Your District Curriculum (Without Getting Behind or Overwhelmed)