Foxborough fourth‑grade teachers showcase 'March Madness' reading competition to boost comprehension and stamina

At the May 13 Foxborough School Committee meeting, fourth‑grade co‑teachers Miss Clemens and Mrs. Gomes presented 'March Madness,' a classroom program designed to make grade‑level reading comprehension engaging while preserving rigorous expectations for all students.

The program runs in four rounds. For each round students read a grade‑level passage, answer four multiple‑choice comprehension questions, and earn points for applying reading strategies — analyzing questions, highlighting important words, citing text evidence and eliminating wrong answers. Teachers used scorecards that mirrored a strategy checklist and provided accommodations so every student could access grade‑level texts using IEP supports where appropriate.

Miss Clemens said the program emphasized reflection: after each round students engaged in a 'noticings' conversation about what worked and what they wanted to improve next time. Mrs. Gomes and Miss Clemens described recognition systems — round winners and MVPs — that rewarded progress, sportsmanship and effort rather than just competition.

Superintendent Dr. Berto praised the classroom enthusiasm and noted the example illustrated how rigorous learning and joyful engagement can coincide. Committee members said the strategies presented align with district priorities for building reading and writing stamina across grades.

The teachers answered questions and noted the program has been in place for two years with positive results in student confidence and comprehension stamina. Committee members encouraged sharing classroom materials and mentor texts as the district aligns social studies and literacy work across grade levels.