Yesterday, my students and I, along with classrooms around the world, got the opportunity to view a live interview with J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books. If you missed this webcast, there is a recording of the nearly 50 minute presentation available here.
Unsurprisingly, Rowling was delightful and inspirational during the interview. Having no idea what topics would be covered, I knew I would have to “wing” it in our follow-up discussion. I should not have been nervous, however, as the questions and responses gave me plenty of fodder for our classroom dialogue afterwards. For example, Rowling was asked what she considered to be the most admirable quality in a person, and she answered, “Bravery”, which easily connected to our topic of the character traits of heroes.
Along with the webcast, which was sponsored by Scholastic, you might also want to take a look at Scholastic’s resources for a Harry Potter Reading Club.
And, if you want a really immersive reading experience, then you will thoroughly enjoy Pottermore, the website launched by Rowling and friends that allows the user to get involved in the virtual world of Harry Potter, from purchasing school supplies to getting sorted into one of Hogwarts’ four houses, to many adventures beyond. Oh, and if you have children, they would probably enjoy it, too 😉
I hope pottermore comes out with more chapters soon, the waiting is too long.