Harry Potter day spells fun for young ‘wizards’
An educational fun day with a Harry Potter theme worked its magic on young children who enjoyed games and activities at Brodick Hall last week.
Organised by North Ayrshire Family Learning Team, the fun day was run by family learning workers who ensured the activities were fun and magical and would appeal to children and parents.
Stephanie Melvin, an NHS speech and language therapist, was face painting the faces of younger children while encouraging communication and social interaction.
Family learning worker Tracy Devlin entertained children with bubbling and fizzing chemistry experiments while conveying the message of acids and alkalines by comparing it to proper eating and digestion.
At the craft table manned by Emma Quinn and Shauni Dorrans, children were encouraged to be creative and attempt new activities while creating bright and colourful Hedwig owls. Bringing out the nostalgic touch, Leanne Bratton used a paper fortune teller - or pick a colour, pick a number origami - to ask children questions and to encourage them to speak about their feelings and opinions.
Those less inclined to chat enjoyed her scavenger hunt, word search and puzzles.
An integral part of any Harry Potter themed event, children learned how to make slime while learning about sugar consumption and team work.
Shona Rae, Arran primary schools family learning worker, said: ‘As part of the programme for family learning with Arran primary schools, the Family Learning Team was delighted to welcome so many families from across the island to our Harry Potter themed day of family learning and fun in Brodick Hall.
‘We would like to thank the local businesses who supported the event by providing a variety of resources - Armitage, MBS, Brodick Co-op, Brodick Pharmacy, Asda Ardrossan and North Ayrshire Council’s holiday meals programme.’