Incorporating Friday the 13th into Your Classroom: A Fun and Engaging Day

Make Friday the 13th a Blast in the Classroom

Friday the 13th is one of those days that sparks curiosity and conversation. Whether it’s the mysterious aura surrounding the date or the superstitions passed down through generations, it’s an intriguing opportunity to build engaging and meaningful lessons in your classroom. As a teacher of third and fourth graders, I loved using this day to take learning to the next level without straying from the curriculum. So, let’s dive in and see how you can make it work for your older students, too!

 

The Day in My Classroom
In my 3rd and 4th-grade classroom, Friday the 13th was never about veering off the curriculum. I simply used the theme to weave in the regular subjects we were working on, but with a spooky, intriguing twist.

Here’s what a typical day would look like:

Morning Work: Students would unpack, settle in, and read a short article about superstitions. I’d ask them to write down any superstitions they knew or believed in and be prepared to share with a partner or small group. This simple task helped spark interest for the day and gave students an outlet to share personal experiences related to the day’s theme.

Reading Block: For our reading block, we’d continue with our usual lessons, but the materials would be tied into the Friday the 13th theme. I’d choose an article or short story related to superstitions or myths, and students would answer comprehension questions based on whatever skills we were currently working on, like identifying the main idea or finding supporting details. Afterward, students could pick a book from our classroom library filled with scary stories and answer a set of general questions that could be applied to any story. It was a way to make regular lessons feel a bit more exciting.

Math: This was the highlight for many of my students. I’d introduce a game I created called “Unlucky 13.” It was a simple problem-solving game where students could only use 13 counters (red and yellow). The objective was to figure out strategies to win by solving a set of problems, and I’d start the game by challenging a student, usually bragging about being unbeatable! Once they got the hang of it, they’d play each other, and the competitive spirit in the room was always buzzing.

The catch? There was no prize, just the joy of winning—or losing gracefully. It was a lesson in both math and good sportsmanship, especially since I sometimes had to remind my students that it’s “just a game.”

How You Can Adapt These Ideas for Middle and High School
Friday the 13th can be just as engaging for older students. Here are some ways you can incorporate the intrigue of this day into your lesson plans while staying focused on key skills:

Classroom Management and Discussions on Superstitions: Start the day or class period with a conversation on superstitions. Why do people believe certain numbers, objects, or days bring bad luck? Is it all in their heads, or do these beliefs have deeper cultural meanings? Encourage students to share superstitions they’ve heard of, whether from family or pop culture. It’s a great way to engage them right from the start and set the tone for the day.

Reading Activities: For English or Social Studies, you can dive into articles or stories about superstitions from different cultures. Assign readings that explore the origins of Friday the 13th, or have students analyze famous horror films like the “Friday the 13th” series and how media has shaped cultural perceptions of the day.

Math and Problem Solving: A version of my “Unlucky 13” game would work wonders in a high school math class too! You could incorporate more complex problem-solving or probability exercises tied to the number 13. It can also spark discussions about statistics—like how many people avoid flying or making big decisions on this day and whether there’s any merit to those fears.

 

The Allure of Friday the 13th: History and Culture

Why is Friday the 13th So Intriguing? Friday the 13th has a deep history filled with superstition and fear. The fear of the number 13, known as triskaidekaphobia {pronouncedˌtriskīˌdekəˈfōbēə) is well-documented across various cultures. From Norse mythology where the trickster god Loki caused chaos as the 13th guest at a banquet, to Christian beliefs where Judas, the 13th guest at the Last Supper, betrayed Jesus, there’s a long history of viewing 13 as an unlucky number.

The Fear of Friday: In Christian tradition, Friday was considered unlucky, as it was the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. Some even believe that other historical events, such as Adam and Eve’s fall from grace, happened on a Friday.

Pop Culture and the “Friday the 13th” Franchise: Beyond historical and religious origins, modern pop culture has cemented Friday the 13th as a day of intrigue and fear. The iconic “Friday the 13th” movie series, with its hockey mask-wearing villain Jason Voorhees, played on these superstitions, turning them into a box office phenomenon. Students can explore how media influences the way we view certain days or numbers and analyze whether these fears are warranted or purely for entertainment.

Effective Teacher Strategy: How to Make the Most of the Day
Whether you’re using Friday the 13th as a fun hook to engage your students or weaving it into thoughtful lessons, it’s important to remember a few key points:

Stay on Track with the Curriculum: Use this day as an opportunity to enhance lessons rather than divert from them. Tie in themes of superstition, probability, or cultural beliefs to keep your teaching grounded in educational goals.

Create a Classroom Management Plan: If you’re introducing games or more competitive activities like “Unlucky 13,” make sure you have a solid classroom management strategy in place. Set clear expectations for behavior and encourage good sportsmanship.

Embrace the Fun: Not every day has to feel serious. Sometimes, adding a bit of fun or light-hearted competition can help students stay engaged and focused on learning. Use Friday the 13th as a day to explore curiosity and dispel fears with rational thinking.

Embrace the Mystery and Fun of Friday the 13th
Ultimately, Friday the 13th is what you make of it. It’s a day full of superstition, history, and mystery, but with the right approach, it can be a fantastic opportunity for learning, discussion, and fun. Whether you’re reading about spooky superstitions or diving into an intense round of “Unlucky 13,” your students are sure to appreciate the excitement of the day.

So next time the calendar aligns and the infamous Friday the 13th rolls around, don’t shy away from the intrigue—embrace it!