One of my favorite lessons of the year is one I get to do only once a year, and it’s always a slam dunk—literally and creatively! This week, my 7th-grade library media students wrapped up their unit on logo creation, part of our multimedia curriculum, and we celebrated with a March Madness bracket… judged solely on logo design.
The lesson is more than just fun—it’s packed with learning aligned to the Kentucky Library Media Standards, particularly around creating digital products and understanding design principles. Students start by exploring what makes a logo effective: simplicity, memorability, relevance, and visual appeal. They analyze famous logos, critique each other’s work, and apply what they learn to their own designs. By connecting these skills to a playful bracket, they see firsthand how design choices can influence perception and engagement.
The bracket itself sparks discussion, debate, and critical thinking. Students rank logos based on color, typography, creativity, and overall impact. Even though our real-life favorite team (Kentucky 💔) was eliminated early—and our class’s logo winner (Long Island 😅) didn’t match everyone’s expectations—students engaged fully with the creative process and learned to articulate their reasoning. This activity reinforces important library media skills, such as:
*Evaluating digital content – analyzing design elements critically instead of just liking or disliking.
*Applying design principles – creating original digital products that communicate ideas effectively.
*Collaboration and discussion – defending choices, giving constructive feedback, and participating in group decision-making.
*Creativity and problem-solving – experimenting with colors, shapes, and styles to create a unique, compelling visual product.
It’s always fun to see the students’ faces light up during this bracket—they are invested, excited, and fully engaged. Even my die-hard basketball fans can’t help but get drawn into the world of design, where logos are judged not by points scored, but by creativity and impact.
In the end, this lesson is more than a yearly tradition; it’s a reminder that library media isn’t just about books and research—it’s about empowering students to think critically, create thoughtfully, and express themselves digitally in ways that matter. And maybe, just maybe, have a little March Madness fun along the way!
Bethany Mills
Knox County Middle School
7th Grade
