Going back to school is the perfect time to play with a Harry Potter week! In our area, our kiddos are all going back to school in a virtual environment due to Covid-19. This themed week was an easy way to make the first week of 2nd grade very magical and very special.
Let’s be honest; it’s also pretty magical that our kids get to go to school when the world feels safer at home. It’s been inspiring to watch teachers and school districts educate millions of children through a computer screen. I could never imagine this was possible when I was a child. Heck, I didn’t think it was likely a year ago. But here we are.
Our family has loved Harry Potter since the book craze in the late 90s. Brian and I took turns reading the books as they came out! Katrina got her first wizard robes at age 4, but she had not fallen in love with the series until this summer. Brian and Trina have been reading a chapter every night. They read, and then they watch the corresponding section of the movie. It has been entertaining to hear her outrage over missing characters and scenes. She even says she likes the book better than the film. Job well done, Dad.
Our magical wizarding week started with Hedwig bringing an O.W.L. (Official Wizard Letter) inviting Trina to Hogwarts. The cutie was waiting outside her door on Monday morning. We used this perfect customizable letter to make the magic come to life.
Setting the House Banners
Then I decked out her school area with Hogwarts House banners. I bought plastic tablecloths from the dollar store in the house colors. Then I used a glue stick to past on color printouts of the crests with royalty-free images from the Harry Potter Wiki. It was so easy, and we are keeping them up past the theme week. This site is GREAT if you need to brush up on any of your wizarding world lore.
Getting Sorted
The most magical moment was the house sorting. We were inspired by Housewife Eclectic’s Sorting Hat Cookies. So easy! I organized colored M&Ms into sugar ice cream cones, and then everyone picked one. Trina sorted into Hufflepuff, which is PERFECT for her. That house is known for its kindness, loyalty, and loving nature. I sorted into Slytherin – I always kind into Slytherin; you are welcome to judge me. Brian sorted into Gryffindor, and Cookie Dough got Ravenclaw.
Once our houses were assigned, everyone got these magical bookmarks with the values of their house. I used glitter foam as a background and cut out the house descriptions. I love these descriptions because every house has positive attributes and strengths.
Nom Nom – Making Your Own Monster Book
Our favorite craft of the week was this Monster Book of Monsters craft from AlpineButterfly on Instructables. Trina customized hers as a cover for the set of playing cards. These ARE SO CUTE and useful.
Start the School Year Off With a New Quill
Can you start a year at Hogwarts without fresh quills? Katrina made these after she took apart a pen and used the ink shaft inside a real turkey feather. We added some colorful electrical tape to the nub to keep everything securely inside.
It’s Not Hogwarts Without Hedwig
Not to leave the wizarding world without a new pet, Katrina was inspired to make this adorable Hedwig stuffy. She used felt, marker and hot glue on most of it. I sewed up the body to keep all that stuffing inside. You could make this with just hot glue!
Our most challenging, but wins for the cutest potential craft, was these Lightning Bolt Shaker Bookmarks. Ugh. I tried to use a sewing machine and use freezer bags as my page protectors. The sewing was so hard, and the plastic was so slippery. FAIL FEST. LOLZ. As always, follow the directions and use the right tools and the right materials.
In extraordinary times like these, our kids need to feel special. It’s hard for everyone to start school in a virtual world. I hope some of these ideas inspire you to make your child’s life just a little bit more magical. Need more ideas? Check out our Pinterest Board for this week and any Harry Potter party.
