Harry Potter Lesson Plan

Transfiguration

This lesson is part of a week long, half-day camp for 6-8 year olds. The students are treated as
first-years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They create their own characters,
get sorted into houses, and attend classes. These hour long classes include Defense Against
the Dark Arts, History of Magic, Potions, and Transfiguration. During the classes, students and
teachers are expected to be in role.

Objectives
Students Will:
- Exercise their minds by visualizing and transforming objects
- Exercise their bodies by discovering abstract ways to convey concrete ideas
- Learn teamwork by being able to take direction from peers and listening

Introduction to Transfiguration: (1:00-1:15)
Good afternoon students, my name is Prof. Stormchugger. Welcome to your first day of
Transfiguration. I have been teaching this class for 75 years. You will not be able to get
away with anything in this class. I know every trick in the book. You are all
expected to be on your best behavior. If that happens, maybe we can actually learn
some transfiguration today. Now, who can tell me what transfiguration is?
(turning one object in to another.)
Other questions:
What is it used for?
Protection
disguises, shields etc.
Creating useful objects
Entertainment
Its fun to be a cat!
What is the first step to transfiguration? We must remember to visualize things
properly. Without proper visualization, we can accidentally improperly transfigure things.
When I was a young student, much like yourselves I failed to visualize a piece of
cake properly. You see, I wished to transform a lizard in to a piece of chocolate
cake for myself. Because I was not properly trained I did not visualize the cake
properly and wound up with a dragon breathing fire in my face. Not good.

Step 1: Visualization (1:15-1:30)
Can someone tell me what visualization is? It is picturing something in your head. I
need us all to get in a circle, close our eyes, and remember where you were when you
received your letter telling you that you had been accepted to Hogwarts. What was it
like? Where were you? How did you feel? etc.
Now, we must further build these skills to take another step towards transfiguration.
Ball Game
Each student chooses a type of ball to hold in their
hands. It can be any kind of ball, bowling, baseball, golf ball or even a quidditch
ball. Do an action with your ball and make sure other people can tell what you
have. How big is it? How heavy? etc. Walk around the room and trade with
people.






Step 2: Review wand safety (1:30-1:35)
With wands we do not throw them or hit with them. All of our normal classroom
rules still apply
We have controlled movements
Make sure you are arms length away from others when using them
WE DO NOT CURSE PEOPLE IN THE CLASSROOM!!!

Step 3: Transforming objects (1:35-1:50)
We cant just start transforming humans, that would be dangerous
we must start with transforming objects likethis towel!! First, we must learn the
spell for for transfiguration. It is Transfigurus followed by the name of the
desired object. For example, if you wanted to turn a soda bottle in to a phone
you would say, Transfigurus Phonus! Have the students stand up and practice
the incantation of the spell.
Game: This is a
Have the group gather close to you and transform the towel in to
another object. Use the towel like you would the object and have them
guess what it could be. Then have a student transform the towel in to
something else while using the new spell. You may want to divide the
class in two groups if it is large.

Step 4: Introduction to Animagus (1:50-2:00)
As wizards we often need to disguise ourselves to fool muggles. As first years,
we do not actually transform ourselves, rather we prepare ourselves to be
animagus. When you all are older you may choose an animal that you can
transform in to at a moments notice. We will try some some of these now.
Game: 1000 ways to cross a room
Students start at one end of a room. Use the Transfigurus spell to turn them in
to different animals. They then cross the room as the animals in a calm manner.
Running students will sit out. When they get to the other side use Finito to
transform them back in to humans. Make sure to compliment students on
individual performances.

Step 5: Transforming other people (If time/alternate activity)
Many times, we not only transform ourselves or objects but other people in to things.
This takes a great amount of skill and a lots of communication. I need everyone to
partner up with someone who is wearing the same color as you.
Game: Mirror Exercise
Students face each other and one partner begins moving slowly in place. The
other mimics every movement. Then, the person leading becomes the follower.
They switch back and forth.
Now you are ready to transform another person. Decide on what you will turn your
partner in to and let them know what it is.


Game: Magical Charades
Pairs will come up one at a time and transform their partners in to an object.
The other students will guess. The partners will switch and then it will be the
next pairs turn. Make sure to use the Transfigurus spell!