hogwarts magical studies: day three
Today was probably the trickiest lesson, because in my mind, Charms should look like actual magic and there is such a limit as to what I can do as far as magic tricks go. I decided on something really simple, using (once again) some of the stuff I happen to have at home. (Also, today was mismatching socks for points day. Oh, the zany combos I saw. The twins just swapped socks. XD)
Day Three: Charms
So, those are two identical red velvet drawstring bags, and four glass stars to each. The white ones are actually opalescent. I used these for a pretty simple magic trick. The second part of the day was bringing in white cardstock as 'parchment' and twine to tie their 'scrolls' shut with.
So, since the kids had spent two days ogling the list of spells I had in my notebook, with some of them (Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs) actually going so far as to copy the list in their spellbooks, I could ask the kids if any of them knew any spells offhand. We discussed Confundo, Expelliarmus, Stupefy, Petrificus Totalus, Tarantellegra, Nox, Lumos, Wingardium Leviosa, and Protego. I called kids up from each house to demonstrate the spells for us, saying 'Finite Incantatum' when I wanted the effects to wear off. We also discussed the three Unforgivable curses, and the difference between a charm, a hex, and a curse.
I then taught them the simple 'swish and flick' gesture. After that, I showed them the opalescent stars, telling them that they were dirty and needed to be cleaned with a scourgify spell. They all waved their wands and chanted scourgify at the bag, but to no avail. I put the bag back in my pocket, saying it was too bad it didn't work- then changed my mind and put them in our magic cabinet instead, tying the door shut so no one would steal them. (I had both bags in my pocket and switched the bags very quickly- tying the door shut also helps show them that no one touched the stars.) I told them we'd try to clean them later, but to be careful around the cabinet.
Then they all sat down and designed their own spells, telling me what they did and what the accompanying wand motions looked like. A couple invented spells that would send points to their house or take away points from other houses! One of them invented a spell called 'Zuko' that put a scar on their enemies faces. That was hilarious. (Only to A:TLA fans.) When they finished their spells, I rolled it up, tied it shut, and called it a 'scroll'. They all wrote what they did in their spellbooks and were graded on their exercise. (Grade is either A+, A, or F. No one has failed yet. You simply get a pass if you were absent.)
After everyone finished their spells, they spent time waiting for the slowpokes by casting spells at each other on the carpet, which happened to be near the spell cabinet. Wand practice went on for about ten minutes.
Finally, I called all the houses back to the carpet, instructing them to bring their school supplies with them. I talked to them more about spells, then asked if they felt ready to scourgify again. They all agreed, and I cut the twine that held the door shut and brought out the red velvet bag. After telling them they weren't to be disappointed if it didn't work, I had them all 'scourgify' it a few times before opening it and pouring the stars out onto my hand. All the children gasped with surprise and joy and I used my impressive acting skills to be as shocked and delighted as they were.
After that, I gave one of the clear glass stars to one child from each house, and called an end to Charms class.
Tomorrow, my favorite class: Potions!
Day Three: Charms
So, those are two identical red velvet drawstring bags, and four glass stars to each. The white ones are actually opalescent. I used these for a pretty simple magic trick. The second part of the day was bringing in white cardstock as 'parchment' and twine to tie their 'scrolls' shut with.
So, since the kids had spent two days ogling the list of spells I had in my notebook, with some of them (Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs) actually going so far as to copy the list in their spellbooks, I could ask the kids if any of them knew any spells offhand. We discussed Confundo, Expelliarmus, Stupefy, Petrificus Totalus, Tarantellegra, Nox, Lumos, Wingardium Leviosa, and Protego. I called kids up from each house to demonstrate the spells for us, saying 'Finite Incantatum' when I wanted the effects to wear off. We also discussed the three Unforgivable curses, and the difference between a charm, a hex, and a curse.
I then taught them the simple 'swish and flick' gesture. After that, I showed them the opalescent stars, telling them that they were dirty and needed to be cleaned with a scourgify spell. They all waved their wands and chanted scourgify at the bag, but to no avail. I put the bag back in my pocket, saying it was too bad it didn't work- then changed my mind and put them in our magic cabinet instead, tying the door shut so no one would steal them. (I had both bags in my pocket and switched the bags very quickly- tying the door shut also helps show them that no one touched the stars.) I told them we'd try to clean them later, but to be careful around the cabinet.
Then they all sat down and designed their own spells, telling me what they did and what the accompanying wand motions looked like. A couple invented spells that would send points to their house or take away points from other houses! One of them invented a spell called 'Zuko' that put a scar on their enemies faces. That was hilarious. (Only to A:TLA fans.) When they finished their spells, I rolled it up, tied it shut, and called it a 'scroll'. They all wrote what they did in their spellbooks and were graded on their exercise. (Grade is either A+, A, or F. No one has failed yet. You simply get a pass if you were absent.)
After everyone finished their spells, they spent time waiting for the slowpokes by casting spells at each other on the carpet, which happened to be near the spell cabinet. Wand practice went on for about ten minutes.
Finally, I called all the houses back to the carpet, instructing them to bring their school supplies with them. I talked to them more about spells, then asked if they felt ready to scourgify again. They all agreed, and I cut the twine that held the door shut and brought out the red velvet bag. After telling them they weren't to be disappointed if it didn't work, I had them all 'scourgify' it a few times before opening it and pouring the stars out onto my hand. All the children gasped with surprise and joy and I used my impressive acting skills to be as shocked and delighted as they were.
After that, I gave one of the clear glass stars to one child from each house, and called an end to Charms class.
Tomorrow, my favorite class: Potions!