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talking about severus snape with kids: in memory of alan rickman

home / reading / talking about severus snape with kids: in memory of alan rickman
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This morning, my sister told me about the passing of Alan Rickman, the man who played (among many other roles) Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films.

And instantly I wanted to bawl.

I did bawl.

The thing is, I never met Alan Rickman. I don’t know him personally.

But I do know his life ended way too soon (he was only 69 years old) andย that his calculating, greasy voice made him sound like the ultimate ‘bad guy’.

talking about severus snape with kids | teachmama.com

I know, too, that he was a stellar actor. And I love what he did with Severus Snape–a character we all loathed and loved, abhorred and admired. Or did we? I know how I feel about Snape,ย but what about my kids?

Snape is a fabย character to analyze and study, whether you have five minutes or fifty.

So to honor of Alan Rickman’s life, I thought we’d have a little after school conversation about the character of Severus Snape.

Here’s the skinny. . .

Talking About Severus Snape With Kids — In Memory of Alan Rickman:

Really, friends, when you talk about literature with your kids, you want it to be easy.

Most of our kids spend about seven hours a day at school, so they don’t want more school when they come home. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be able to talk to them about interesting and meaningful topics, though.

It just means we have to be careful and smart.

And if your kid comes home crying for whatever reason or is sick or just isn’t digging the convo, then do it another time.

Right? Right.

So when my kids come home today, I’ll start by talking about Alan Rickman.

I’ll show them these two photos and ask if they know who it is:

AlanRickmanDec2009

photo source

Alan_Rickman_BAMII

photo source

talking about severus snape with kids: in memory of alan rickman

talking about severus snape with kids: in memory of alan rickman

Then I’ll ask a few questions:

  • What comes to mindย when you think ofย Severus Snape?
  • What are some of his character traits?
  • Let’s think about and share some proof for those character traits.
  • How would you describe Snape’s teaching? Would you like to have him as a teacher?
  • Would you like to have Snape as a friend?
  • How do you think Snape would be as a colleague, if you taught at Hogwarts?
  • What would be an ideal course for Snape to teach?

A quick short about Snape:

Then I’d talk a little bit more about his character:

I’d ask:

  • What do we know for sure about Snape? What are some facts about his life?
  • How does Snape feel about Harry? How do you know?
  • Who are Snape’s friends?ย 
  • Who does Snape love? Who does he respect? Who does he fear?
  • What other characters in books or movies reminds you of Snape?
  • If you could say anything to Snape, what would you say? Why? ย 

After a bit of discussion, it’s definitely worth taking a look at this video compilation of all important Snape scenes in chronological order.

This one is awesome. It’s about 15 minutes, so a little lengthy:

 

Follow up with a few more discussion points:

  • Is Snape a static or dynamic character? That is, does he stay basically the same over time, or does he grow and change?ย 
  • If Snape could have a life ‘do-over’, what do you think he would do differently? Why?
  • Many people argue that Snape is a the true hero of the Harry Potter series. ย Do you agree or disagree? Why?
  • Who is ‘Albus Severus Potter’? Explain the meaning behind the name.

Alan Rickman and other actors on their roles:

Then maybe, just to give the kids a look behind the scenes, check out this bit about what happened one day while filming:

 

And another fun bit during filming:

 

A little bit about how Alan Rickman got the role:

 

What would you add? What am I missing?

I’d love to hear your ideas and suggestions. And, if you choose to talk to your kids about Snape, let me know how it goes!

Do you want the printable to download? So you can discuss with your kids?

Here it is:ย snape discussion _ teachmama.com

snape character discussion | teachmama.com

snape discussion _ teachmama.com

Cheers, friends. And rest in peace, Alan Rickman.

 

Slytherin flag is flying at half mast today. Rest in peace to the man who played one of modern day literature’s most complex characters flawlessly. Alan Rickman, we felt every emotion for your Snape, but in the end, he was the one many loved the most. Thank you. Friends, it’s a great day to talk to your Harry Potter fans about Snape’s character in both the book and the movie. #alanrickman #snape #slytherin #halfbloodprince #harrypotterforever #raiseareader #

A photo posted by amy mascott (@teachmama1) on Jan 14, 2016 at 6:58am PST

A few more literacy-related posts worth reading. . . (click on image to read!)
what to say when kids make reading mistakes teachmama.com.png
5 things to never say to emerging reader
literacy terms every parent must know
talk to kids about books
how to help kids choose just right books
Want a little more help with all things literacy? ย 
Follow amy mascott @teachmama’s board literacy on Pinterest.

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About amy mascott

teacher, mother, dreamer. lover of literacy, fun learning, good food, and three crazy-cool kids. finder of four-leaf clovers | dc metro ยท http://about.me/amymascott
tweet with me: @teachmama

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Quick! Thereโ€™s still time to see if your area is registered to participate in this yearโ€™s National Civics Bee! #ad

Click the link in my bio to learn more and to grab a TON of free resources for families and educators. 

This yearโ€™s registration deadline is approaching, but you still have time! 

What better way to get students to engage in civics and contribute to their communities? 

https://teachmama.com/bring-the-national-civics-bee-to-your-community/

#CivicsBuzz #strongcommunities #middleschool #civicsbee #teachersofIG
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Have you heard of The National Civics Bee? #ad 

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Organized in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in your community will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions. 

Learn how to bring The National Civics Bee to YOUR community now: https://teachmama.com/bring-the-national-civics-bee-to-your-community/

Iโ€™m thrilled to have partnered with @mom_select and @civicsbuzz for this exciting campaign! โ™ฅ๏ธ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’™

#CivicsBuzz #middleschoolers #teachersofIG #communitypartners
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(Itโ€™s what Rusty the ๐ŸฆŠ is currently reading.) 

Find it at your favorite bookstore or order here: https://amzn.to/3Pu3tWs

(This is my affiliate link, so when you use it, I will earn a small percentage of the sale, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for using my link and supporting my small business!)

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How can people with dyslexia learn to read? ๐Ÿค”

Here are the 3๏ธโƒฃ elements that reading instruction should contain in order to be most effective for students with dyslexiaโ€”

#demystifyingdyslexia #raiseareader #readingteacher #teachreading #dyslexiaawareness
View
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Lately when I find four leaf clovers, Iโ€™ve been leaving them. ๐Ÿ€๐Ÿคท๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธ

So if youโ€™re in Maryland, and you happen upon a lonely, little 4-leafer with very little grass, weeds, or leaves around it, I donโ€™t know WHO tried to set you up for success.

#yougotthis #keepyoureyesopen #itsthelittlethings #kilpattyluck
View
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Okayโ€”how do we know if someone has dyslexia? 

Which professionas are able to make that important determination? 

โ–ถ๏ธ Watch to find out. 

Hit me with the questions you still have about dyslexiaโ€”and know we have a few more posts to go!

#demystifyingdyslexia #raiseareader #teachreading #readingteachersofig
View
Open
What are some of the common signs of dyslexia?

Watch to learn and find out!

#demystifyingdyslexia #readingteacher #raiseareader #teachreading #dyslexia
View
Open
True โœ… or false โŒ?

#demystifyingdyslexia #dyslexiaeducation #readingteacher #raiseareader #teachreading
View
Open
What do you know about dyslexia? 

What questions do you have about dyslexia? 

For the next few weeks leading up to my own start to the school year I am sharing a new series called โ€œDe-Mystifying Dyslexiaโ€ and I would love for you to join me! 

Follow in my stories or on the highlight above!

#dyslexia #teading  #readingteacher #raiseareader #demystifyingdyslexia

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