Classroom Management
As teachers, we’ve all had those wild days when the classroom feels less like a place of learning and more like a scene from Jurassic Park—chaos, loud screeching noises, and the occasional escape attempt. That’s when we stop and wonder, “Wait… is it a full moon?” And guess what? It usually is.
But why does the full moon seem to make kids go buck wild? Is it just in our heads, or is there actual science behind the madness?
Signs that the full moon has taken over your classroom
- Spontaneous howling and guttural noises come from the sweetest, well-behaved children in the class.
- Students who once walked in straight, quiet lines down the hallways now bounce off the walls and make faces at other teachers as they pass by.
- Four students you have never seen in your life have joined your fifth-period class and refuse to leave.
- Kids are crying because you aren’t calling on them to answer questions.
- Recess is so out of control that houses next door to the school call the office to complain.
Do full moons affect behavior?
Your answer is above. Based on our experiences and observations as educators, we can confidently say,” Yes.” We have endured full moons numerous times, though just barely.
Scientists and researchers have debated the moon’s effects on human behavior and emotions for a long time. The term “lunatic” stems from the notion that erratic behavior is linked to the lunar cycle, suggesting that it’s not only teachers who have observed this phenomenon.
Research has drawn mixed conclusions, but some interesting findings have resulted:
Students get less sleep.
One 2021 study found that a full moon affects the quality of our sleep. Children and adults fall asleep later and sleep less deeply on nights before a full moon, which might account for some of the crazy behavior we see from our sleep-deprived students.
Lunar hype is real.
This is what we consider a self-fulfilling prophecy. Kids hear about the full moon, and the power of suggestion takes over. If they think they’re supposed to act wild, guess what? They will lose their shi@. They know they can just blame everything on “The MOON.”
Changes in light cause a shift in mood.
The change in light during a full moon is believed to influence mood, and some speculate that the increased brightness at night can impact children’s behavior. Theories, however unproven, suggest that the extra illumination may disrupt sleep patterns, leading to restlessness, irritability, or difficulty concentrating in school the next day. Teachers see it and believe it.
Survival tips for teachers
Teachers can survive the challenges of the full moon by staying proactive and planning ahead. Keeping a calendar that marks when the full moon will occur allows educators to anticipate potential shifts in student behavior and prepare accordingly. Here are a few great ideas to plan for crazy days.
- Movement Breaks & Brain Boosters – Who doesn’t love GoNoodle’s “The Milkshake Song” and “Peanut Butter in a Cup” to release some full moon energy?
- STEM Challenges – Hands-on problem-solving activities, like building towers with marshmallows or completing a challenging STEM puzzle, can keep students from diving off the deep end.
- Calming Strategies – Play calming music and do a directed drawing activity to calm students down and prepare them for learning.
- Sensory Bins or Tactile Activities – Provide kinetic sand, water beads, or playdough for students to manipulate, giving them a quiet way to self-regulate.
- Story Time & Visualization – Read a book related to the moon, like Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle, and have students draw moon-inspired pictures.
It’s just the moon.
So, the next time your students act crazier than usual, check the full moon calendar. There is comfort in knowing there just might be a reason your normally well-behaved class is acting as though they have lost their ever-loving minds.
It’s not you; it’s the moon.
