release of the first novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the books have gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide. The series has also had some share of criticism, including concern for the increasingly dark tone. As of June 2011[update], the book series has sold about 450 million copies and has been translated into 67 languages, and the last four books consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history. A series of many genres, including fantasy and coming of age (with elements of mystery, thriller, and romance), it has many cultural meanings and references. According to Rowling, the main theme is death, although it is primarily considered to be a work of children's literature. There are also many other themes in the series, such as love and prejudice.

学习过程：

I． 课文学习

1. 阅读课文，完成教材P22~23的练习。

2. 知识点学习

1） gifted adj. 有天才的，有天赋的 gift n. 天赋；礼物；赠送

(1) He is a ____________ musician. 他是一位有天赋的音乐家。

(2) The little girl is __________at singing and dancing. 小女孩唱歌跳舞有天赋。

(3) Having a ________ for music, he received a piano as his birthday ________ and everybody admired him for his _________ performance.

比较：gifted adj. 具有先天的特质和技能，不一定具有创造力和独创性。

talented adj. 指能够从事某种工作或活动所具有的独特能力。

(4) Is there a school for ____________ children in our city?

(5) John is a _____________ journalist.

2) be associated with 与......有联系；与......联系在一起

I wouldn't want to be associated with Mckey's project.

Whisky ______usually ___________________ Scotland.

associate with sb. 与某人交往 associate sb./ sth. with sb./ sth. 把......与......联系起来

3) stubborn adj. 顽强的，坚持的 His stubborn courage made him respected.

　He is a stubborn child who won't obey his mother.

4) overcome v. 克服；（感情等）压倒，使受不了（常用于被动语态）

　He overcame all kinds of difficulties and succeeded at last.

She was overcome with anger.