Magic is real! Teacher converts boring classroom into Hogwarts

A thoughtful teacher has created an incredible Harry Potter-themed classroom - see the pictures below!

Going back-to-school can be tough for teachers and children alike, but one teachers has ensured that her pupils will be having a magical year thanks to her efforts over the summer holidays.

Tressa Bargella, a third-grade teacher from Pennsylvania in the US, spent hours decorating her once boring classroom into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy.

Revealing her handiwork in a viral Facebook post, Tressa wrote: ‘I am COMPLETELY DRAINED but it was worth it.

‘I honestly lost track of how many hours it took me but in the end, I spend more time here than at home some days and it is now my happy place.

‘Hope my new little wizards love being inside my Hogwarts walls as much as I do! Here’s to a magical new year!!!’

https://www.facebook.com/tressa.bargella/posts/10217110476572913

Speaking on Good Morning America, Tressa explained why she had gone to such lengths to create a magical classroom for her students.

‘He [Harry Potter] is so relatable,’ she said. ‘He struggles with many of the same issues they do. A difficult home life, bullying issues, forming real and lasting friendships, and embracing their own identities’

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Tressa even posted each student a personalised ‘Hogwarts acceptance letter’ on parchment paper with a Hogwarts wax seal before the children went back to school.

In the letter each pupil was also sent a train ticket to ‘board’ the train to their Harry Potter-themed classroom – cute!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10217110471572788&set=pcb.10217110476572913&type=3&theater

The children and parents were invited to visit the classrooms a day before the official start of school, and it sounded like they loved Tressa’s creations.

‘They came in with their eyes as wide as saucers and their mouths open,’ she said.

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Tressa also said she puts on her ‘big British glasses’ and reads in her best British accent for about 15 minutes each day while the children follow along with a PDF version of the book - sounds like her lesson planning is just as good as her decorating skills!

‘Some are beginning to feel comfortable reading aloud,’ she said ‘It makes it all worthwhile.’

She told the show that pupils are ‘under a lot of pressure. Some kids have anxiety and anything I can do to make it exciting to come makes the learning experience so much better.’

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It seems her efforts are working, as she reported that she has very few behaviour problems in class.

‘They come in an environment with so much going on, they’re comfortable. It’s like a home away from home, she said.