Christmas Traditions for British Wizards
What Christmas practices are unique to the Harry Potter books, and which are customs that regular British humans also enjoy? This class discusses the history of select British Christmas traditions against the backdrop of literature.
Lauren James
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(3,161)
What's included
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. Students can post their answers to any "Expand Your Knowledge" challenge to receive feedback from the teacher.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 12
In this class, we'll explore some a few British Christmas traditions that show up in the Harry Potter books. While some customs are exclusive to magical worlds, many are also British Christmas traditions, so along the way, we'll be learning about British holiday traditions as well! Each self-paced lesson consists of a short recorded presentation (between 8 and 32 minutes long), plus several extension activities that help them explore Christmas traditions and the wizard world a little more deeply. This is a self-paced class; there is no live component. Lesson 1: Decorations Lesson 2: Cuisine Lesson 3: Presents Lesson 4: Santa Claus (believers in Santa should skip this lesson) Need a discount? Sure thing! All of my self-paced courses are "pay what you can afford." To get the discount you need, sign up for the course first, then message me with the discount you would like, and I will apply a partial refund.
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Christmas Decorations
♦ The history of Christmas trees
♦ The origins of mistletoe
♦ A short recorded lecture (18 minutes) plus extension activities Lesson 2:
Christmas Cuisine
♦ Traditional holiday foods
♦ Traditional British Christmas foods that Americans may find unusual.
♦ A short recorded lecture (16 minutes) plus extension activities Lesson 3:
Christmas Presents
♦ Gifts: we'll analyze the best and worst Christmas presents to give to wizards.
♦ Christmas crackers - what they are, and how to make one.
♦ Paper crowns at British Christmas dinner.
♦ A short recorded lecture (32 minutes) plus extension activities
♦ Instructions (a worksheet and 8 minute video) on how to make your own Christmas crackers. Lesson 4:
Santa Claus
♦ Short recorded lecture: is Santa Claus a Wizard? (8 minutes) plus extension activities
♦ This is a funny joke to examine the similarities between Santa Claus and Nicholas Flamel.
♦ Your learner should opt out of this video if they still believe in Santa Claus. Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class is not appropriate for children who believe in Santa Claus.
Supply List
During class, I will teach the students how to make their own Christmas Crackers. (This is not a food, but a special type of gift found in British holiday tradition.) If you'd like to do this craft, the materials are as follows: 1 piece wrapping paper (about 15 inches long and at least 6 inches wide) 1 toilet paper tube 2 pieces of ribbon or string, about 6 inches long 1 piece of tape 1 Toothpick OR hobby knife Things to put inside (traditionally a paper hat, a joke, and a small toy - but you can put anything you want in there!)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Outschool is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., owner of the Harry Potter® mark and related Harry Potter marks.
Joined September, 2017
4.9
3161reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Brigham Young University
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I offer a "pay what you can afford" discount for all flex classes. After you enroll, send me a message from the section you signed up for. I can then apply a partial refund to match the amount you need; it can be any amount!
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From 2005 to 2021 I was a highly certified teacher in Arizona, in Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. (I allowed my teaching license to lapse after becoming employed by the University of Arizona.) I have a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science Education. I have four children ranging from 9 to 14 years of age. Besides teaching on Outschool, I am an advisor and educational outreach coordinator at the University of Arizona, and I also run my own small business giving astronomy shows in an inflatable planetarium for libraries and schools. In my spare time, I like to hike with my family, go on road trips, and volunteer with the Crisis Text Line (an organization that helps at-risk teens and young adults work through difficult situations).
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Most of my classes come with projects or extension activities your child can do at home. Because every family situation is different, all of these activities and assignments are optional and at the discretion of the parent.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$5
weekly or $18 for all content4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 95 learners
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Ages: 8-18
