Harry Potter Christmas

In this class, we explore the secular Christmas traditions of wizards and witches mentioned in the popular "British Wizard" books and films. While some of their customs are exclusive to the magical world, many overlap with those of normal British humans, so along the way, we'll learn about British holiday traditions as well!

▬▬▬▬▬▬ VIDEOS, ACTIVITIES, AND MORE ▬▬▬▬▬▬

• This course has four parts to it. Each part consists of a downloadable video presentation hosted on Google Drive, along with some resources and project ideas to expand the students’ understanding.

• In a regular school setting, these materials are ideal for reverse instruction or a flipped classroom unit. For instance, you can assign the video recording to watch at home for homework, and then use the extension activities for class projects. The recordings also work well for sub days and much-needed sanity days!

• If you are using these materials in a home school setting, you could choose to do one part per day or one part per week, doing the projects as time allows. Feel free to have your child email me at lauren.rae.ard@gmail.com, if they have any questions or want to share what they’ve done with the materials.

• This unit also includes a link to my notes and Prezi presentation I use throughout the course, in case you want to give some of the presentation, or expand on the material yourself. Please keep in mind that the video may not match up exactly with the notes and lecture materials, because I do alter and add to my notes as time goes on.

▬▬▬▬▬▬ COURSE OUTLINE ▬▬▬▬▬▬

❄ Part 1: Decorations ❄

This 18 minute recording includes:

♦ The history of Christmas trees

♦ Christmas trees in the Wizarding World

♦ The origins of mistletoe

❄ Part 2: Cuisine ❄

This 16 minute recording includes:

♦ Traditional holiday foods

♦ Unusual British Christmas foods that are also in the books.

♦ Includes chipolatas, tripe, puddings (all kinds), trifle, and mince pies.

❄ Part 3: Presents ❄

This 32 minute recording includes:

♦ The top ten best Christmas gifts the main character ever received.

♦ The top ten worst Christmas gifts the main character ever received.

♦ Christmas crackers - what they are, and how to make one. (Includes a 7 minute recording and instructional handout for making your own Christmas crackers. This craft is super easy - for each student, all you need is a toilet paper tube, wrapping paper, string, tape, and scissors!)

♦ Paper crowns at British Christmas dinner (and the equivalent in the wizard books).

❄ Part 4: Santa ❄

♦ Eight minute recording: Is Santa Claus actually Nicholas Flamel? (not suitable for students who still believe in Santa)

♦ More Christmas extension activities.