A Harry Potter Confession ...

23 June 2011
I have a confession to make.
It might be quite shocking.
Okay ...
here goes ...

I've never read any of the Harry Potter books.

Whew - feels good to get that off my chest.  It's actually quite unbelievable considering I'm an avid reader and have had at least 60 students read the series while in my class.  I have two full sets in my classroom library.  My husband has read all the books, and we have all the movies ... I've just never really wanted to read them.  I always figured I've heard enough book talks and read enough book reports to get by ... right?  WRONG!

A few weeks ago my oldest daughter (in grade 2) came home super excited to tell us that her teacher was reading them the first book, and when they finished the book they were going to have a Harry Potter party.  She was loving the book, so I shared in her joy, without revealing my little secret.  A few days after that she told me that all the students in her class had been grouped into "houses" and she was part of the Hufflepuff house.  Mmm hmmm ... sounds good, dear.  THEN she proceeded to tell me she had to dress like one of the characters from the Hufflepuff house for her party.  OH.  I had to admit to her that I had no idea who was in the Hufflepuff house.  After she got over her shock that there was a book I didn't know and love, we turned to the internet.



She ultimately decided she wanted to be Tonks.  (It looked like a pretty cool choice).  Well then the hunt for a costume began.  Do you know how hard it is to find a Halloweenish costume in June???  But, it's now the night before her big party, and I think we're set.  We had to enlist the mother-in-law's help to finish a cape, my husband whittled a wand (and has the blisters to prove it), and he had to take all three girls on a shopping trip while I was at graduation ... but we're ready.

I think she looks fantastic!  And she LOVES it - which is all that matters.



I wanted to do something special for her party, so I decided to make some treats.  Now keep in mind I only just finished writing my report cards 5 hours ago, so I was looking for something quick and easy.

I decided to make magic wands.  They were super easy to make, and thankfully didn't take a lot of time once I had tracked down the ingredients.  I melted some chocolate to dip the wafer straws in.  Then I rolled them in black sprinkles.  I used maple cookies for the tops (they were the closest in shape to stars, and I didn't want to make cookies from scratch).  I covered the maple cookies in white icing, then dipped them in yellow sugar.  Once the chocolate wafer straws had set, I dipped the ends in more melted chocolate so I could attach the stars to the top.  30 magic wands ... done!

So, I think I survived the whole "Harry Pottergate" incident unscathed.  But I have to admit, I've put it on my summer reading list.  And I need to finish it quickly because Elizabeth is already asking me to start reading the second book to her.  ;)


16 comments

  1. Good so I am not the only one! Most everyone in my family and work have read the books, & watched the movies.....just never got into them. Maybe some day! Glad to know I am not alone!

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  2. That is awesome! Thanks for sharing! Don't feel too bad, I got "the look" from some fans on my fb page because I admitted I hadn't read the Hunger Games trilogy yet either (though my 13-year-old devoured those as well). :) You will enjoy HP once you read it - I loved that series!

    Charity
    The Organized Classroom Blog

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  3. Charity, I've read the Hunger Games trilogy (obsessively devoured may be closer to the truth). I'll make you a deal - I'll read Harry Potter, but you have GOT TO read The Hunger Games!

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  4. I have never read the books either! My best friend is obsessed with Harry Potter so, I feel that maybe I should get to reading it. I also think my third graders would be into it!
    Love the wizard pointers :)

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  5. I love the Harry Potter series. It just got better and better! I have also read the Hunger Games and man are those heavy reading. Maybe I just get into books a little too much, but those books were too real for me. I am actually rereading them because there was something addicting about them. Both series are great reading!


    Becca
    Simply 2nd Resources

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  6. How about listening to them in the car on tape!
    It will take no time to get through them. I loved the magic wands. I did something similar but dipped pretzels which work ok too. Thanks for sharing the confession. We never want to disappoint our own children but life gets busy.
    My list is much longer than yours!
    Fran@kindergartencrayons.blogspot.com

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  7. I love the "magic wands" you made. To me the Harry Potter books were so much better than the movies. Of course, that is normally true in my opinion.

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  8. You might want to think about the audiobook. Jim Dale does so many fabulous voices that it is impossible not to get into the book.

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  9. Yes, I agree with the other teachers. The books are WAY better than the movies and you'll fall in love with the characters. J.K. Rowling does a excellent job creating characters and making you feel like you are in the book. I love the wands you made and think I might make these for my own Harry Potter party before the last movie. I'm a huge fan! I highly recommend the audio books and they are wonderful to long car trips!

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  10. I, too, am a huge fan. I am so sad about the last movie coming out. However, J.K. Rowling just announced yesterday about her Pottermore online "adventure." I was so glad to have a new place for my Hogwarts fix.

    I will be surprised if you don't feel the same way after reading the books. They really pull you into another world! I hope you enjoy them.

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  11. Thanks, ladies. You've convinced me - I'll start on the first book as soon as school is out next week.

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  12. The wands turned out awesome and Elizabeth looks super cute! Great job Jen!

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  13. Cute wands and she looks adorable!

    ~ Sarah

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  14. I haven't read them either, but your costume and snacks are great! Followed you here from NTFFC.

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  15. Thanks, again! I'm just finishing up a writing resource book, then it's on to Harry Potter. I must admit, though - I did buy myself the newest Janet Evanovich book today. It will be my reward for finishing Harry Potter (or incentive TO finish Harry Potter). ;)

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