Defense Against the Dark Arts
Pullman, Washington
Pioneer Hill Community Center
240 SE Dexter Street
Parent Orientation (required):
Tween Classes: TBA
Discovering the magic of emotional resilience
Be Prepared!
We'll be taking notes and doing some writing in class, a basic notebook is a good idea!
No need to buy the books or bring them.
The first class is for parents only!
Classes 2-6 are for kids only.
In Defense Against the Dark Arts parents and kids learn to work together to solve problems, smoothing the transition from child to teenager to adult.
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Kids
Each week we'll use ideas found in the popular Harry Potter series to start a conversation about an issue common in Junior High and then introduce ideas from Positive Psychology that can help. Kids will have a chance to learn and practice powerful habits that increase resilience, build positive identity, and support responsible choices. All of this happens in a relaxed atmosphere where discussion and play encourage exploration.
Parent participation is an absolute must! Be prepared to put in time, energy, and effort... and have fun.
Topics may include:
Finding your Patronus (the power of positive feelings)
Dealing with Curses (handling rejection and downright nastiness)
Alternatives to Horcruxes (safety and strength of the self)
Beginning Spells (how to get things done)
Calling out Voldemort (talking about hard things)
You are the Sorting Hat (choosing identity and direction)
Conquer the Boggart (facing and vanquishing fears)
Parents
The magic that makes these ideas stick is a chance to go home and teach parents then practice new habits/skills together. Teaching and practicing builds an even more powerful habit of collaborative problem solving that will be an enormous benefit in the years to come. Parents are encouraged to make the process fun for everyone through enthusiastic participation and celebration of successes.