The Trapped Librarian

Make your library the center of your school

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Topics
    • Book Love
    • Bulletin Boards and Displays
    • FUN!
    • Helpful Hints
    • Library Advocacy
    • Life
    • Organize It!
    • School Library
    • Technology
    • TPT
  • Shop
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
You are here: Home / School Library / Energize Your School Community with Harry Potter Week!

March 1, 2019 by: Laura

Energize Your School Community with Harry Potter Week!

Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by Laura

A couple of weeks before Halloween, our school library was transformed into Hogwarts as our whole school celebrated Harry Potter Week! Over the past couple of years, I’ve teamed up with the music and physical education teachers in my building to integrate our subject areas around a theme for a week or so. Our Harry Potter Week has been our most exciting so far!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links for your convenience.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small stipend at no cost to you.

Collaborating With Other Specialists

I’m very fortunate to work with creative, enthusiastic, open minded colleagues! In the past we have worked together to facilitate integrated units on Irish Culture, Native American Culture, and the Winter Olympics. You can read an overview of our experiences in the article I wrote for the Library Learners blog: Collaborate With Your Specials Team.

For Harry Potter Week, students were assigned houses, learned to play Quidditch, and had “broomstick races” in physical education classes.  In music classes, students chanted rhythms, learned to waltz, and even learned an original song composed by our talented music teacher!

Build Excitement!

On the Friday before our Harry Potter Week, I hand delivered these Platform 9 3/4 tickets and a Hogwarts letter to each classroom. I found a Harry Potter Freebie Pack from Martina Cahill on Teachers Pay Teachers that contains an editable letter, the tickets, and more! I wore my Harry Potter glasses with an old black cape over my Hufflepuff shirt, and even carried my wand in my back pocket as I made my deliveries. All of this created quite a stir among the students and teachers. One teacher emailed to tell me she’s waited all her life for her Hogwart’s letter!!

I created a “Welcome to Hogwarts” bulletin board to great the students as they walked into the library. I decorated the doors with directional signs of places from the books. I came in on the weekend to decorate so students and staff members would be surprised on Monday morning.

This Enchanted Forest photo backdrop was perfect to use for Harry Potter Week as well as my Enchanted Forest Book Fair! It was great for storytelling with our youngest students and the kids had fun taking photos in front of it during the book fair.

Library Transformation

We found lots of ideas for our Harry Potter Week decorations on Pinterest. In the library, we transformed our space into “Hogwarts,” and familiar places from the book. My assistant is an artist and she created this amazing gigantic sorting hat!

We also decorated with floating candles (hot glue fishing line to battery operated candles & hang from the ceiling), house signs, Platform 9 3/4 and more!  I purchased a roll of this brick paper (intended for photo backgrounds) from Amazon and I found the Platform 9 3/4 sign free online. We covered our 2 closet doors this way.

Since our library is in the center of 10 classrooms, this Harry Potter Week transformation created a lot of excitement beginning Monday morning! 

Harry Potter Week Lessons

In library classes, 3rd – 5th graders completed a STEM challenge involving a golden snitch, and K-2 students tried invisible ink writing.  I read a short summary of The Sorcerer’s Stone to K-2 classes, since many of them haven’t had the chance to read the books or watch the movies.

For some extra activities during checkout time, students could take the Harry Potter Sorting Hat Quiz, play Harry Potter “Would You Rather” Jenga, or color their house crest and reflect on the qualities that make them part of that house.

The Best Part of Harry Potter Week

By collaborating with my colleagues on this school wide theme, we created an excitement around reading the Harry Potter books. The conversations overheard in the faculty lounge and the lunch room were around details from the stories. It has been more than 20 years since The Sorcerer’s Stone was first published! Although most of our students and staff were familiar with Harry, there were some that hadn’t read the books or watched the movies yet. The whole experience reignited an interest in the books for everyone!

Let me help you with YOUR Harry Potter Week!

I’ve scoured Pinterest for all ideas for Harry Potter decor and have lots of great pins – check out my Harry Potter Pinterest Board!

No matter how you make it happen, I hope you will share your Harry Potter week stories with me! Be sure to comment below to share with all of us how this fun and engaging theme is helping you make your library the center of your school!

Be well and have fun!

  • Celebrate Chinese New Year With These 7 Picture Books
    Fun Books and Songs for Leprechaun Storytime!

    Comments

    1. Lisa says

      February 3, 2020 at 6:42 PM

      I LOVE this blog post! I am currently a classroom teacher, but I am studying to be a Teacher-Librarian and am looking for ways to engage the students and school community as a beginner TL. I am also Harry Potter obsessed. I always read The Philosopher’s Stone to my classes, sort them into houses, and teach them to play Quidditch.
      I love this idea of getting the whole school involved in a theme! I’ve seen libraries run a Literacy week, but I really like the idea of having one theme.
      You have so many wonderful ideas and resources to use.
      How long did it take you to plan and organize this event?
      Do you use it every year or every couple of years or just once?
      Had you done events like this before with a different theme?
      Did you have to convince your staff to participate or did you have support pretty easily?

      Thank you so much!
      Lisa

      • Laura says

        February 11, 2020 at 8:26 PM

        Hi Lisa! We planned ahead for Harry Potter Week – we probably started talking about it at least a month ahead of time. We have only done it once, but hope to alternate years because it was so popular. We have also done a Native American Week, Winter Olympics Week, Irish Culture Week. I’ve got a blog post about the Native American and Irish weeks. We’ve done some mini collaborations around Cinco de Mayo and Star Wars too! Best wishes on your classes – you’ll love the library!

    2. Kim Patton says

      July 20, 2020 at 11:26 PM

      What grades did you do this with? I am in a K-6 building. Our 4th grade teachers usually read Harry Potter as a read aloud each year, but we always have 1-2 families that don’t allow their student to listen, so as much as I would love this theme, I’m not sure I could pull it off!

      • Laura says

        July 22, 2020 at 12:10 PM

        Hi Kim! Harry Potter Week was a school-wide event. We have a K-5 school. We had alternative activities available for our families who were opposed to Harry Potter.

    3. Raman says

      February 4, 2021 at 7:45 PM

      Hi Laura!

      Let me just start off by saying “wow!” The amount of work that was put into this is absolutely amazing. As a die-hard Harry Potter fan, let me just say that I would not be able to contain my excitement had a Harry Potter week that had so much detail such as this one taken place at my school! I can only imagine how much fun the staff and students at your school had!

      I’m currently a teacher studying to become a teacher-librarian one day and this has been something that I have wanted to do for a long, long time! Thank you very much for the creative ideas as well as some awesome resources! I will definitely take a look at them and hopefully use them in the future!

      I also love the collaboration that was involved! It was so nice to read about how different teachers came together to make this week possible and how activities were carried out in P.E and music!

      • Laura says

        April 23, 2021 at 7:02 AM

        Hi Raman – thanks for your kind comments! I hope you try Harry Potter Week when you get a chance. You will be amazed at the level of engagement. Have fun!

    4. Chelsey says

      February 24, 2022 at 8:58 PM

      Hi Laura, I just wanted to stop by to say what an amazing blog you have. With everything from bulletin board ideas to library advocacy, as someone who is just beginning to take Teacher Librarian classes, I am really appreciating so much of your material.
      I especially loved this particular post for how we can bring together a whole school with the library as a hub and focus point to really spark excitement and joy over topics. Reading this post really reminded me of the strength in having collaborative staff and working together to create authentic and fun learning experiences for kids. With collaboration being at the center of what teacher librarians do, this is just an amazing way to bring EVERYONE in the school together in one vision. I’m fortunate to work at a school where we do a bit of a schoolwide collaboration for our version of French Canadian Carnaval de Quebec which runs a bit similar to how this sounds. The kids learn French words related to carnaval in language class, sing special carnaval songs, have special dress up days during that week themed to Carnaval items, play hockey in the gym, are visited by the mascot of carnaval (Bonhome Carnaval- we have a mascot costume) and read books and research about carnaval activities in library and in their classrooms. It is such a magical week of the year at our school that the kids look forward to every year.

      • Laura says

        March 1, 2022 at 2:47 PM

        Hi Chelsey – Your Carnaval Week sounds like an amazing collaboration! You are right, it’s truly magical when the whole school community is united around a common theme. So good for learning as well as morale! Keep up the good work!

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Past Posts

    Categories

    Find it Fast

    Book Love Bulletin Boards and Displays Classroom Management Collaboration Distance Learning Freebies FUN! Helpful Hints Inspiration Library Advocacy Library Decor Library Events Life Organize It! Professional Development Remote Learning Research School Library Seasonal Technology Tech Tips Test Prep TPT Uncategorized

    TPT Shop

    Facebook

    Pinterest

    Instagram

    thetrappedlibrarian

    📚 Elementary School Librarian
    🌟 NBCT 2011
    👩🏻‍🏫 Teacher Author
    Blog: trappedlibrarian.org

    Laura Trapp | Elementary School Librarian
    ➡ Do you dream of pouring your heart into teachi ➡ Do you dream of pouring your heart into teaching and still leaving school during daylight hours?⁣
➡ Do you dream of loving teaching even in the midst of so many demands?⁣
➡ Do you dream of creating boundaries to protect your family time and rest?⁣
⁣
Guess what? We can make these dreams come true!  My friend Jamie of Not So Wimpy Teacher is about to release her brand new book, 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 (available April 4, 2023)! ⁣
⁣
This book is a heartfelt, hands-on guide to setting boundaries, increasing productivity, and finding fulfillment for teachers who know that their classrooms won’t thrive unless they do. It’s packed with simple, actionable strategies that you can implement right away. It's also got funny stories and real-life examples to make it a quick and fun read!⁣
⁣
➡ You can preorder a copy at the Smart.Bio link @thetrappedlibrarian⁣
⁣
#elementarylibrary #elementarylibrarian #schoollibrary #schoollibrarian #librarymediaspecialist #thetrappedlibrarian #teacherlibrarian #librariansofinstagram⁣
#elementarylibrarians #iteachelementary
    Spring is a great time for research! Grab this pop Spring is a great time for research! Grab this popular 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 at the link in my profile.⁣
⁣
#iteachk #iteachfirst #elementarylibrary #elementarylibrarian #schoollibrary #schoollibrarian #librarymediaspecialist #thetrappedlibrarian #teacherlibrarian #schoollibraries #librariansofinstagram #tpt #elementarylibrarians #librarylessonideas
    Want some tips for building research skills in you Want some tips for building research skills in your primary grade classes? This blog post will get you started. ⁣
⁣
Read it at the Smart.Bio link @thetrappedlibrarian⁣
⁣
#iteachk #iteachfirst ⁣
#elementarylibrary #elementarylibrarian #schoollibrary #schoollibrarian #librarymediaspecialist #thetrappedlibrarian #teacherlibrarian #schoollibraries #librariansofinstagram⁣
#tpt #elementarylibrarians #librarylessonideas
    ⭐ If you’ve got some down time this month, tak ⭐ If you’ve got some down time this month, take advantage of personalized learning!! ⭐⁣
⁣
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 was created just for 𝗬𝗢𝗨! ⁣
✅ Online and self-paced, you’re going to love the practical tips and ideas to help you make your library the center of your school. ⁣
⭐ Start learning today at the Smart.Bio link @thetrappedlibrarian⁣
⁣
#professionaldevelopment #elementarylibrary #elementarylibrarian #schoollibrary #schoollibrarian #librarymediaspecialist #thetrappedlibrarian #teacherlibrarian #schoollibraries #librariansofinstagram⁣
#tpt #elementarylibrarians #librarylessonideas
    Our latest book club read was 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗯 Our latest book club read was 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗯𝘂 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It received a resounding thumbs-up - everyone loved it!⁣
⁣
Great story about family, resilience, and individuality. And I 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 noticing the characters from Reid’s other books who were connected or made an occasional appearance - in fact, we decided to read 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝘁𝗼 next!⁣
⁣
Are you a fan of TJR – (and have you been watching 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝘀𝘆 𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝘅??)??!!⁣
⁣
#librariansofinstagram #bookclub #taylorjenkinsreid
    You know I'm all about 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹. But it's true that you don't need elaborate plans and late night set-ups to make that happen.⁣
⁣
𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗱𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀:⁣
🎵 Add music⁣
🙆‍♀️ Add movement (How about some yoga?!?!)⁣
🔎 Have a scavenger hunt⁣
⁣
(This quote is from Jamie Sears fantastic new book 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻! Preorder it now at the Smart.Bio link @thetrappedlibrarian)⁣
⁣
#iteachelementary #classroomtransformation ⁣
#elementarylibrary #elementarylibrarian #schoollibrary #schoollibrarian #librarymediaspecialist #thetrappedlibrarian #teacherlibrarian #librariansofinstagram #tpt #elementarylibrarians
    ⭐💚 It’s not too late to grab some fun ideas ⭐💚 It’s not too late to grab some fun ideas for March from our “12 Ideas” Newsletter. 💚⭐⁣
⁣
✅ Take advantage of the experience of 5 veteran elementary school librarians as you plan the rest of your activities for the month! Link in profile! ⁣
⁣
#elementarylibrary #elementarylibrarian #schoollibrary #schoollibrarian #librarymediaspecialist #thetrappedlibrarian #teacherlibrarian #schoollibraries #librariansofinstagram⁣
#tpt #elementarylibrarians #librarylessonideas
    ⭐💚 Want a fun 𝗡𝗢 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗣 activ ⭐💚 Want a fun 𝗡𝗢 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗣 activity for this week?? 💚⭐⁣
⁣
✅ Use your free Epic educator account to read 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗻 by Adam Wallace⁣
✅ Grab these 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 and use them with your free Boom educator account (just assign a “Fast Pin” for your students).⁣
⁣
☘ Snatch some fun at my Smart.Bio link @thetrappedlibrarian !⁣
#leprechaunactivities #leprechaunstorytime #leprechaunfun⁣
#elementarylibrary #elementarylibrarian #schoollibrary #schoollibrarian #librarymediaspecialist #thetrappedlibrarian #teacherlibrarian #schoollibraries #librariansofinstagram⁣
#tpt #elementarylibrarians #librarylessonideas
    This fun ☘𝗟𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁☘ is part of my Leprechaun Storytime unit. ⁣
☘ Your students are going to LOVE it! ⁣
⭐ Grab it at the Smart.Bio link @thetrapped librarian⁣
⁣
#leprechaunactivities #leprechaunstorytime ⁣
#elementarylibrary #elementarylibrarian #schoollibrary #schoollibrarian #librarymediaspecialist #thetrappedlibrarian #teacherlibrarian #schoollibraries #librariansofinstagram⁣
#tpt #elementarylibrarians #librarylessonideas
    Load More... Follow on Instagram
    • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
    • Disclosure

    © 2023 // Design by Laugh Eat Learn // Theme by Pretty Darn Cute Design