I learned a new term at ACTFL 19… Bracketology. I heard it in a presentation by Lisa Shepard. She used this example about things we can do to help the environment. Students discuss each pair of choices in order to select which will move onto the next round.
So I started thinking, this is a great format for any topic. Create a list of 8 or 16 things to be grateful for, unusual holiday traditions, things kids want for Christmas, things you can do to stay healthy, or reasons to study a language. Pair them up in brackets, and have they kids discuss and then vote on each pairing until the champion is determined.
Or, have kids create their own brackets around a topic. Then have the class debate and vote… hot dogs vs hamburgers, pizza vs tacos. Or use bracketology for hobbies: football vs. soccer, winner takes on baseball vs. volleyball.
Of course bracketology in not a new idea. Many world language teachers do March music madness and have students choose between popular songs. What about creating brackets for 8 holiday songs?
There are brackets created for children’s books and novels in the target language. Make your own with these blank book brackets.
One of my favorites are the brackets for Chrismas commercials by Dustin Williamson. There are resources on Teachers Pay teachers, some are free like Noel madness.
How can you incorporate bracketology in your classes?