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Christmas at Hogwarts
Last updated Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Author: J.K. Rowling
Illustrator: Ziyi Gao
Date of Publication: 2024
ISBN: 1546129952
Grade Level: 3rd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2024
Synopsis:
"Christmas was coming. One morning in mid-December, Hogwarts woke to find itself covered in several feet of snow."
So begins Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and the story of Harry Potter's first Christmas at Hogwarts. From the Great Hall decked with magnificent fir trees to cozy evenings in the Gryffindor Common Room to the joy of presents on Christmas morning, it's a holiday filled with warmth, friendship, good food, and magical surprises that Harry will never forget.
| Note to readers: |
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If the kids are unfamiliar with the Harry Potter characters from the books or movies, you can either explain who the characters are as you read, or ask the kids if they need to know who the characters are in order to enjoy the book. They can make guesses about what they can figure out about the characters from the illustrations and the text as you read to them.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Have you seen any Harry Potter movies or ready any of the books?
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What is unusual about the cover? (floating candles)
Vocabulary
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drafty - cold and uncomfortable currents of cool air
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corridor - a long hall, passageway from which doors lead into rooms
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dungeon - a dark, underground room, usually in a castle
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dormitory - a building where students live at boarding schools or college
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prefect - British; in some schools, a senior student authorized to enforce discipline (like a hall monitor
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Muggle - non-magical person
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silver sickle embedded - silver coin hiding inside
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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How high is "several feet of snow"?
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Why do you think Harry loved his gifts, but Ron was not as happy about receiving another sweater?
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What is your favorite food to eat on holidays?
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Which characters in the book do you recognize?
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Where of you think Harry will go while wearing the Invisibility Cloak?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Make cards to give for the holidays.
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Draw a tree or wreath and decorate with colorful cut-out ornaments.
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Draw a scene with snow-covered trees, houses and a snowman.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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