Harry Potter: The Exhibition

If you will be in the Toronto area this spring/summer, think about dropping in to see the Harry Potter Exhibition at the Ontario Science Center.  The previous stop was in Chicago, but no dates have been announced for the Los Angeles area as of yet. 

Ontario Science Center
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
April 9, 2010-August 22, 2010

From the website:
"In this amazing exhibition, guests will get an up close and personal look at the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the iconic props and costumes that appeared throughout the Harry Potter films. These authentic artifacts will be displayed in elaborate settings inspired by locations from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry including the Gryffindor common room, Hagrid’s hut and the Great Hall. "
 
Harry Potter: The Exhibition

Summer School 2010!

Hey Everyone!

That time is nearly upon us again, SPEF Summer School is back this June! Oh, and incidentally, so am I. :) I again plan to teach Hogwarts School of Wizardry (Years I and II) as well as Book Cooks. Hogwarts is getting cleaned by the house elves from top to bottom in preparation for your arrival from the Hogwarts Express, either by boat or thestral. I'm fine-tuning some new stories and recipes to add the 2010 Book Cooks menu, but don't worry, we'll still be making a lot of old favorites. I am also excited to be introducing an All-American Girl class, based on the popular book series. Students (boys are more than welcome!) will go back in time with a different American Girl every week, learning history while also doing some fun activities, culminating with a Friday tea party or picnic. You will not want to miss this!

Of course, please be sure to check out the other classes being offered by the great staff and if you're 5th grade and up, the middle and high schools will no doubt have an awesome lineup as well. Registration opens this April and I hope to see your shiny, happy faces on June 28!

Upcoming Harry Potter Events

With the latest film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, coming out this week, there are a number of events wizards could attend. Here are just a few (all free):

Meet director David Heyman
Apple Store @ Third Street Promenade
July 13, 2009 (7PM)

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Screening
Altadena Public Library
July 14, 2009 (6:30PM)
Refreshments and Raffle

Harry Potter/Mugglenet Event
San Marino Toy and Book
July 15, 2009 (1:30-4:30PM)

Harry Potter Reading Group
Vroman's Bookstore @ Pasadena
July 20, 2009 (3PM)
Ages 9-14 to discuss the Half-Blood Prince

Day Nine

On Friday, first years learned to brew a lovely plant-growing potion, while second years celebrated Sir Nicholas' Deathday Party with some pumpkin muffins and butterbeer (much better than what was actually being served at the party!).

The chefs of Book Cooks whipped up (literally!) a delicious chocolate buttercream frosting for their thundercakes. Ask them what the chocolate cake's secret ingredient is!

Day One

Did you manage to catch the train at Platform 9 3/4?

Did you find out what's really inside popcorn?

Hogwarts welcomed students for Years One and Two. Four students were named Prefects of their respective Houses: Cade, Archer, Maximum, and Adam.

In Book Cooks, we read The Popcorn Book by Tomie de Paola and popped up a few batches! We first tried using the new-fangled popcorn maker seen in the picture above. As it turns out, a regular old saucepan worked even better!

Summer School Countdown!

Hey Kids!

It’s just 36 days until the start of SPEF Summer School! I am looking forward to welcoming students to Hogwarts for Year 1 and Year 2, as well as to Book Cooks Favorites. Check out my flickr gallery for pictures of last year’s classes, or cycle through this blog to read more about them. Haven’t registered yet? Go to the SPEF website for more information. Links to all these sites are located on the left side of this blog. See you soon!

Miss Cong

Summer School Announcement

I am very pleased to announce that I will again be teaching Summer School for SPEF! This year, classes will return to Marengo. I am really looking forward to teaching the following courses:



Hogwarts School of Wizardry (Period 3) $135

All aboard the Hogwarts Express, leaving from Platform 9 3/4! Join Harry Potter for his first year at Hogwarts. We will read and discuss Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (please bring your own U.S. copy). All sorts of fun activities are in store, maybe even Quidditch!




Book Cooks Breakfast (Period 1 or 2) $140 Spaces still available in Period 1
Book Cooks Afternoon Snack (Period 4 or 5) $140 Spaces still available in Period 5

Read excerpts from great books and recreate the fantastic recipes inside! Sample recipes from The Little House series, Narnia, Roald Dahl's books, and more! Bring an apron and your appetite!

Register for classes HERE: http://www.spef4kids.com/summerschool.htm or go to the SPEF office on El Centro.