Harry Potter
I think there’s not a SINGLE kid who’s read Harry Potter and hasn’t wanted to go to Hogwarts at some point. If you don’t know what or where that is, you should read Harry Potter. It’s such a good book series.
Anyway, I think all of us who have read that series (or watched the movie, which isn’t half as good) have admired SOMETHING about him. (And if you are a super fan, tried walking into every brick wall at the train station). I’m past 11 and I’m still hoping for that letter of acceptance!
Anyway, here are three successful learner traits that he shows and that we all could work on. Also, be warned. There are spoilers up to the end of the fourth book.
1. Compassion. In every single book (or movie) he has shown his compassion for pretty much everyone except Malfoy and, well, I don’t know, Voldemort. (Not including Dudley.) In the first book he saved Hermione, even though he didn’t like her, from the troll in the girls’ bathroom. In the third book, he spared Peter Pettigrew’s life, even though he killed Harry’s parents. In the fourth book he and Cedric touched the Triwizard cup together instead of only Harry.
2. Risk-Taking. I’m pretty sure we all see the risk-taking in Harry Potter. When he stabbed the Basilisk in the mouth, when he followed Sirius Black (dog version) under the Whomping Willow to save Ron, and many, many other examples.
3. Thinker. We all know Harry Potter doesn’t exactly plan ahead, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be smart. He found out the way to get into the Chamber of Secrets. Also, it takes some real improv thinking to grab a sharp rock on the lake floor to free Ron and Fleur. I mean, he didn’t exactly bring a pair of scissors.
I think Harry Potter shows us all to take risks sometimes. We won’t get anywhere in life if we are afraid to take the next step! He also teaches us to give people second chances, be forgiving, and think on our feet!
If you know anyone with these traits (or other traits too) tell me in the comments!
If you want to see the authors (J.K Rowling’s) official page, click here.
Hello Sarah,
Mrs. Kriese here, from Austin, Texas. Thank you for your recent visits to our classroom blog!
I appreciate this post about Harry Potter. He’s one of my favorite characters. Like you, I admire Harry’s compassion, his adventurous spirit, and his critical thinking. I especially like the fact that he shows compassion for himself: once he understands that a part of Voldemort is inside him, pulling him toward darkness (hello, Luke Skywalker), Harry doesn’t run from that awful truth. He acknowledges what has been happening inside of him, and he finds the courage to face the consequences.
In our class, we read about several characters who find that acknowledging their weaknesses eventually gives them strength. It’s a great lesson for all of us.
🙂
Mrs. Kriese
http://edublogs.eanesisd.net/tkriese
Hi Mrs. Kriese! Thanks for commenting!
I love Harry Potter too. I swear, I’ve read the whole series 4 or 5 times!:) What you explained about the darkness is part of why I chose him. In a (I’m sorry, Harry, but better) book series there’s a mirror that is said to drive anyone who looked into it insane, but the main character, to win a war of the land, looked into the mirror to recruit a centuries- old nightmare monster to their ranks. What she saw is similar, she saw what monster truly was her. She didn’t run, but just accepted it. It’s kinda similar! Anyway, have a great day!
~Sarah