Potterheads getting inspiration from The Important Book to craft stanzas
about Harry Potter people, places, and things.

This year was the third iteration of the Harry Potter Club, and it was my favorite yet. For the first time, I ran it like a workshop, which is my teaching model of choice (Why it took me three years to make this move perplexes me!). Even more amazing than the change in model is how much more I focused on writing activities. Each session introduced a new writing activity, and I’m so pleased to report that students opted to do each with enthusiasm and passion. Each of the writing projects are being bound into books now and will soon be permanent additions to my faux Hogwarts Library. Next year’s goal: Get Potterheads reading Harry Potter books while they’re during Harry Potter Club season.

Here is this week’s roundup of literacy links for some quick inspiration, tips, and refreshment:

• “A Guide to Sharing Wordless Books with Young Readers”
• Yup. Created and used with the best of intentions, but there’s got to be a better way.
• “Teachers as Decision Makers” – YES!
• “10 Points on the Power of Poetry” from Brightly has all of the big ideas for any poetry unit
• Mental health break: The NEW public library – ALL the heart eyes!