El Maga

The wizard is one of the most important players in the fifth dimension. At La Clase Mágica, the Wizard is known as El Maga and is used in a playful way to reinforce the rules and expectations in the Fifth Dimension so that the children and assistants can progress through the maze.  Interaction with the Wizard plays a critical role in the literacy development of the children.  The Wizard communicates with children via telecommunication (instant messaging or email).

At La Clase Mágica, El Maga communicates in both English and Spanish, although El Maga knows all languages.  The name of the Wizard has been altered in Spanish so that it will be neither female nor male.  Calling the Wizard “La Maga” would specify a female wizard, while “El Mago” would identify the wizard as male.  With gender non-specificity a high priority in La Clase Mágica, “El Maga” was selected as the most appropriate name for the Wizard.  The name is culturally specific, while still remaining a loose, vague representation.

The goal is for the children to perceive El Maga as one who is, like them, familiar with two cultures.  Interaction with El Maga should encourage the children not just to write, but to reflect on what they have learned.  The objective is for El Maga to be represented as all-knowing to the children, informed about the games, and knowledgeable about them personally.  The children report their progress through the maze of games to El Maga, asking for new strategies or help from El Maga.  This is also a place for them to apply knowledge and skills acquired outside of La Clase Mágica.

La Mosca

La Mosca Cosmica (the Cosmic Fly) is Maga’s sidekick and helps to maintain a constant line of communication between the children and El Maga.  The fly travels back and forth with these letters and delivers them when nobody is in sight.  La Mosca is a media chismosa (gossiper), it tells the children what El Maga is thinking about and when El Maga is upset with them. Mosca tries to mediate between the children and El Maga, but sometimes gets confused or tired during its daily journey and delivers the wrong information, late information, or both.  La Mosca assists in maintaining the authority of and respect for El Maga in a playful manner.