By: JakeBlues
I really don't think of my skill level on par to be a good teacher,
but I was recently asked by someone to teach magic. I figure I'll give
it a try. A person told me their son is into magic, but that the local
magic shop tended to not want to sell him tricks requiring more
complex sleights due to his young age. I believe he is around 10 years
old. Most likely they're selling him some automatic plastic garbage.
So I was asked if I would spend some time with him to teach him some magic. So my question is--what/how do I teach? This won't be for another month or so. The issue of "should I teach" should be answered by then I believe. If a child is interested in anything for more than a week, he is probably pretty serious about it. If he still wants the lessons in a month, I'd say we're good to go.
So I don't know what he knows. But I'm considering TT and Hot Rod. Both are good, cheap, and teach magic essentials. I'm not sure if a child's fingers could handle a Money Morph move, but could most likely vanish a silk. Or maybe 10 years old isn't that young and he could. Quite frankly, it's been 10 years since I was 10 years old, and I don't remember so well.
Also considering basic coin handling (classic palms, french drop, simple vanish) or card handling (key card tricks/cross cut force).
So does anyone here teach children/have children and can recommend what/how to teach?
By: John H. Zander
Get the Mark Wilson's complete book of magic (if you do not already
have it) you will find more than you will ever need and it is all
great stuff for that age.
By: Olde Rabbit
I think I would get him some sponge balls, and teach him basic
sleights with them. They are easy for kids to handle, and fun to play
with, too. The surface texture allows easy handling, and by learning
the basic sponge ball tricks, he'll also learn a French Drop, False
Transfer, and some good misdirection.
If he shows an interest in cards, I think I'd go for some really basic packet tricks which would also teach him basics like a Double Lift, Elmsley Count, etc. However, often cards are not a high priority with kids, tho using animal or alphabet cards, or even Pokemon cards, might work.
Lastly, I think I would work on the tricks he already has. Granted, they may seem like plastic garbage to you, but they may really be what he thinks are great tricks. I think I would help him come up with presentations which are appropriate for his age. This would teach him how to sell the magic he can do, and make it more entertaining than just doing a trick.
When I was a kid doing magic, I was older than he by 3-5 years, but the problem wasn't having tricks to perform or being able to do them. The problem was I had never seen a professional magician, and had no idea what to say. I would run thru a whole bunch of tricks, basically just doing them and telling my audiences what they were seeing. I wish now I had had someone with some imagination, who could have helped me come up with patter and presentation befitting my age. Simple, but interesting, imaginative, entertaining.
He may not stick with this, or he may. He may have the muscle development to learn the sleights, he may not. But if he can do simple tricks, and gain appreciation from not only kids his own age, but older ones and adults, by being entertaining, it's more likely he will stick with it.
By: MAGIGAL
Recenty, I had the same opportunity to "help" a youngster with
learning magic..I do agree with O.R. that helping him understand the
importance of presentation and story line is paramount..what also was
successful with my student was for me to show him 5 easy routines with
5 different apparati and then find out which of the 5 he liked best
and he picked sponge balls...then his # 2 choice was Vanishing silk
with TT....and # 3 was Torn and Restored ( napkins )..then we spent
our time together creating a story line etc. and his practicing and
giving trial presentations.
It made sense for me to not choose for him as I doubt that his interest would be ignited in doing "Magic stuff" ( his words )that had no appeal for him. I also stressed the privilege of specialness ( secrecy ) of learning magic .
Best of luck to you and your student !
Be sure to make it fun for both of you !
By: Dondunn
When I was the kid's age, I found it very very interesting -- not to
mention thrifty -- to spend time MAKING my own magic equipment. Spend
a buck for Tommy Windsor's Dye Box book and show him how to make a
vanish/production box that can be used for all sorts of stuff, out of
a small cereal box. (Windsor used a popcorn box, but they're hard to
find nowadays. Works great with Grape-Nuts or Cap'n Crunch boxes that
kids recognize.) Get some rubber cement and newspaper and make Clippo
in the shape of a fish or long-eared rabbit or long-neck giraffe,
etc. Make up some torn/restored newspaper. You'll fill a whole hour
preparing and teaching one effect -- but the kid 'll have something to
show when he's finished. Conversely, it takes just seconds to show how
to palm a coin, and the kid'll have to practice on his own for days
afterwards, and might lose interest during that period.
By: Jon A. Hand
I agree with Dondunn here.
I did my first neighborhood shows in my backyard at age 8 or 9 with all homemade stuff. A homemade Phantom Tube (mailing tube) works just great, and the Afghan Bands are miraculous to see, to cite two examples.
Bibliofind.com has tons of used magic books that are great for kids.
Magic of Alkazar (great info on midirection, presentation, etc)
Fun With Magic (Leeming)
More Fun With Magic (Leeming)
Golden Book of Magic (Clayton Rawson)
and, of course, Wilson's Complete Course shows up in Bibliofind for $10 to $15 instead of $25 at new bookstores.
By: Olde Rabbit
I don't know if this is the case with Bibliofind, but there are two
versions of the Wilson Course out. One is actually named the Mark
Wilson Cyclopedia of Magic, I believe, and is the same book, somewhat
abridged, in soft cover. None of the publicity photos of Mark & Nani,
and a few less routines.
By: Bob K
I think OR's advice was good. Concentrate on learning to present the
tricks he already has.
For new stuff, the Mark Wilson book is a good start. As to spending money on magic, why would you spend your money? It sounds like you're planning to give the lessons for free. It also sounds like the parents are willing to spend money at the magic store, so why would they expect you to pay for a book (or books) and props too?
By: Big Mitts
The key card effects, hot rod, TT, etc.. - all sound perfect. I would
keep it just like that, extremely easy and even self working effects
and slights. But don't overload him! I have found that, with this age
bracket, they ussually want to immediately run off and show someone an
effect without putting in nearly enough time to make it work. And if
they botch it up to often then pretty soon they are liable to shy away
from performing at all. I don't know if I would be teaching a lot of
routines involving palming, vanishes, and things that require
consealing something in the hand - especially a coin or card. It's not
that the slights are to difficult. It's just that consealing something
like that in a very natural manner, and still being able to use that
hand in the same natural manner, takes some time. You might go ahead
and work on these slights one at a time, but just don't give him any
routines to go with them until he's ready. Possibly while you've got
him working on something like palming a quarter also get him working
on a good routine for that Genii in a Bottle (Rope & Vase?) trick
where he has to palm off and conseal something very simple while his
audience is desperately trying to figure out how to get that bottle to
hang on to the rope. In the mean time give him some good stuff to go
along with the other one's you mentioned - the hot rod is
great. Things you are pretty certain he will be successful with.
Finally - I also completely agree with OR on presentation. One of the most important things gained from good presentation is the understanding, through experience, that there is much more satisfaction to be gained from entertaining your audience than just tricking them. Also focus in on teaching him how to direct an audiences attention. Also the patter that makes the whole thing flow, entertain, and just make sense. I think these last few items are far more important - especially in the beginning - than a lot of slights or flashy effects. Also - you don't have to let him know how you are doing everything - like doubles, passes, etc.. . Keeping him dazzled will also help keep him interested.
By: Raoul
I asked a similar question about a month ago, as my little sis was
starting out in magic. She's 9, by the way.
The Hot Rod and a TT are your best bet as practical magic for little kids. The effects, although simple, are amazing to her peers. A sponge ball routine is also good, as is multiplying rabbits. The latter might be a bit of a problem if they have small hands.
One note on card tricks : In the past 6 years of performing for kids and adults alike, I have found that children simply don't care for card tricks. Most that I've seen don't, anyway. Few are interested in seeing one performed, let alone taking the time to learn one. Using Pokemon cards seem to have little difference, though I DO use Teletubbie cards for a Weighted Aces routine for adults. The patter however goes something like "Since TinkyWinky is one fata*s motherf---".......
Currently my sis is sticking with the TT and hot rod, though she's seen me perform IT effects, and has been bugging me to learn them. Maybe in a couple of years.
Hope this helps, and (in my opinion) nothing is more gratifying seeing someone perform things you taught them. I'm d@mn proud of my sister.
By: Josh Mandel
You could take a tip from the marketers and look over the contents of
any toy-store Magic set, and teach those effects. Also, I bet you've
got some magic books in your library that talk about good effects for
kids. (I find the Bill Tarr books are especially good, either the "Now
You See It, Now You Don't" books or the "101 Classic Magic
Tricks"). How about...
...a simple cups-and-balls routine?
...the vanishing salt shaker (a great misdirection lesson)?
...the one (forget the name..."Crazy Cube?") with a colored die that fits in a perfectly square box; you hold it behind your back (and move the lid), bring it out, and name the color?
...the Chinese sticks?
...a thumb tie?
By: Nathan Marsh
looks like I might be teaching a magic class at a local day camp this
summer...any advice on teaching these sorts of things..i definitely
want to teach sleights, beginning with: Elmsley, French Drop,
Put-and-take, Ramsay take...maybe a basic double lift,
double-undercut...a ring and string routine (?)...i'd also like to
show them performance-only clips of great performers...I'm thinking
Tamariz, Ricky Jay, John Carney, Dai Vernon, Johnny Paul, and Mike
Ammar...try to get one per class session... any other suggestions?
By: Ryan Pilling
Sure...the "basic" moves of magic are all fine and dandy...but they
really aren't of much interest to the average person, I would
imagine. Be sure to teach them in CONTEXT. (This simple key is missing
from 99% of all formal education systems)
In context of what? Simple routines that can be easily presented in an entertaining way. Imagine the difference between having your "graduates" being able to demonstrate competancy at technique and being able to ENTERTAIN upon completing the course.
I'd highly suggest taking a look at "Magic For Dummies" and/or "the Klutz Book of Magic" for some very good examples of how to pass the love of magic on to the un-initiated.
Also, be prepared to change your curriculum in an instant based on the group's interests!
P.S. I love the idea of showing the "masters" at work. But I'd highly suggest getting clips that show entertainers more than technicians. Or at least point out the difference.
By: Nathan Marsh
yeah..my main focus would be to maintain excitement/interest...I was
thinking of teaching MacDonald's Aces as a POWERFUL application of
Elmsley, Double lifts..etc...maybe it should be structured so they
learn (i.e. are competent enough to perform) a simple routine each
week-with one larger routine taught in modules to be mastered
throughout the entire course.. sorry..just thinking out-loud here
By: Paul W. Draper
Don't try to teach as many "tricks" in rapid succession. That's what
they say they want but it's not what will help them the most. I taught
a university semester class and only taught the workings of 10 ticks
in several months.
Perform a trick, have them try to figure out how its done, or think of ways they might do it. Talk about performance, speech writing, magic history, acting, volume, pitch control, eye contact. Sure show them a classic palm and a Double lift but only after you teach them a respect for performance and being a magician. If you jump in the first Day and teach them methods to five or ten tricks - you'll give them what they say they want but after your done they won't be happy with you or with magic :-)
Fill the blank time with you performing effects for them and ask them to take notes and tell you what worked or didn't work, what was good and what you need to work on. Let them teach you :-) It will inspire them!
Show them Doug Henning or David Copperfeild- don't have them figure out how all of the effects in an entire show are done, you don't want to teach a group how to be audiences that only look at magic as a group of tricks. Have them talk about costume, blocking, story, audience reaction etc.
I'm excited for you!
By: Joe M. Turner
I second the motion to get a book like MAGIC FOR DUMMIES and perhaps
use it as a guide to get started.
Don't start with Elmsley.
I really suggest starting with some self-working things before moving to sleights.
Harry Lorayne's THE MAGIC BOOK will be a good reference for you. The Garcia/Schindler MAGIC WITH CARDS has been rereleased in paperback and contains some good stuff. I would try to structure the class around material that has been released for the general public -- stuff you can get at Borders or Barnes & Noble.
Finally, check out the new Stevens video -- "Teach In #6 -- Sensational Acts of Mystery Men." As stated by Joe Stevens:
----------------------------------------------------------
Soon, we will be very pleased to release our newest video,
"Sensational Acts of Mystery Men", with legendary acts that we
love. This will be our sixth "Teach-In Video" release and we predict
it will be one of our best sellers. How about these acts-all on one
video
* Shimada * Paul Daniels * Jay (Lefty) Marshall
* Moretti * Salvano * Charlie Miller
----------------------------------------------------------
Fun! Not as well known as some folks, but maybe a good investment to get a variety of acts on a single tape.
By: Paul W. Draper
Magic: History, Performance and Presentation
Section 1: History and Origin
1: Shamans and Medicine Men
2: Miracle Workers - Victorian
3: Houdini - Today
4: Shams and Charlatans
Section 2: Magic Tricks
5: Types/ Styles of Magic
6: Close Up (cards and coins)
7: Parlor, Stage
Section 3: Speech and Performance Studies
8: Personality Tests - Know yourself, find your character
9: Story Telling
10: Speech Writing
Section 4: Stage Works
11: An Actor Behaves - Performance warm ups
12: Stage voice, presence, Movement - Bigger then life
13: Lights , Music/microphones, Sets,
14: Posters, Advertising, Radio, Getting A job, Assistance
Section 5: Performance
15: Perform for class / Master Class
Finals Week: Performance for invited audience
Required Texts:
Tarbell Course in Magic Vol. 1
Eugene Burger and Robert Neal's Magic and Meaning
Plus information/chapters from 5 other texts on electronic reserve.
There will be use of Texts, Videos, Guest Lectures/performers, Audio Recordings and hands on experience with stage illusions , Stage theatrical equipment, Computers and Broadcasting Technologies.
Point Breakdown:
High in Class Participation 200 pts.
The Class will also be required to participate weekly in an e-mail
discussion group 75 pts.
and read and report on one of several magic message boards. 75
pts.
3 Papers will be Written. 5 - 15 Pages. Quality over quantity 75
pts. each = 225
3 In Class performances 75 pts. each = 225
1 Out of Class performance Final 200 pts.
1000 Possible Points. A = 1000 - 900 , B = 899 - 700 , C = 699 - 500 , D = 499 - 300 etc.
By: Bob K
A couple things to keep in mind right from the start. You need to gear
the class to the slowest learners without the fast learners being
bored constantly.
Before you jump into Elmsley counts and double lifts, plan time to teach them how to hold the cards, how to shuffle, how to tell one card from the other, etc. By then it'll be a good idea to do some non card stuff for variety.
At least in the beginning (and probably the entire class if it's only 4-6 sessions), keep it very simple. Teach a lot of self working stuff they they can go home and do quickly- they won't do them well and they won't have presentation, but if you start out teaching Elmsley's then you'll lose them as soon as they figure out it's going to take a lot of practice to learn. Or they will go home and try it out anyway and lose interest when they can't fool anybody. There's always the chance that a couple will have a serious interest in magic, and they might stick with it. The majority won't and you'll wind up giving them a lot of secrets they won't use.
Somewhere I have a list of a few dozen tricks that are good for teaching beginners. Most of them come from published sources like Mark Wilson, Tarbell, etc.
By: James Reynolds
Nathan you did not mention how old these students are going to be. If
they a real little ones, I would limit the cards. Definitely wouldn't
do utility moves (Dbl. lifts etc..)
good luck with it!
By: James Reynolds
Books I have seen at Borders and Barnes & Noble:
Annemann's Practical Mental Magic
Expert at the Card Table
Bobo's Modern Coin Magic
And they were selling for much cheaper (under $10 paperback) than magic shops.
By: Nathan Marsh
I forgot to include the very important detail that this, if i get the
job, would be a summer day camp for school age kids
By: Michael Sibbernsen
Your thoughts on sleights to teach are *way* out of the ballpark. I
have found magicians have completely askew notions when asked to teach
magic for the first time (I was there). As a matter of fact, little to
*no sleights* is the way to go. Simple magic based on set-up and
subtlety.
I have taught a number of magic classes for young and old, and am presently the "Director of the Magical Arts Department" at a large 8 week girls camp in the summer. I know what works and does not work. I would be more than happy to share my lesson plans with you (or anyone else interested) privately via email.
By: Magic Duck
Remember you are just providing entertainment here, by way of an
interesting class. If 1 in 25 of these kids ever really gets into
magic it would be a high number. Look at the small number of us
magician's compared to the population. So what you really need to do
is keep them amused and make them have fun, while hopefully learning a
few things to show to their brothers, sisters, parents. I would take a
look at some of the good beginners books out and teach some of that
material--more like the effects Mac King teaches on the WGM
shows. Something like the 3 burglars, with a deck of cards, would be
easy for them to do, remember, and no one would raise hell with you
for exposing one of our biggest secrets to kids. That is a
concern...because any secrets taught that are above the learning, and
utilization, capabilities of those learning is actually EXPOSURE. If
they cannot learn it, do it and show it, then don't teach it. This
advice might be different if you were teaching magic on a Saturday
afternoon at a magic shop in NYC. In that type of situation you will
have more serious magicians, maybe adults but at least kids whose
parents have heard enough about magic to agree to pay a fee for the
lessons. In the past, when I have taught magic, there is a great
simple papercutting routine, that is a single cut that produces a neat
looking bunny. This is perfect as one of the things. It is more of a
puzzle but it has worked beautifully and they can all do it in unison
if there is enough paper and scissors. If you want info on this send
an email and I will send it to you. Your idea of showing performances
is good but, personally, I would not limit it to showing closeup. Put
in some Henning, Copperfield, Blackstone too.
Please take my post in the spirit given. I am not criticizing you at all, just trying to offer some advice based on my experience in this area of teaching--which I personally will admit is a bit limited compared to Michael. I agree with his post strongly.
By: Michael Sibbernsen
Very good advice Bob.
Nathan. As an example, an excellent trick for beginners is the "Jumping Rubberband". You may think it hackneyed, but believe me, the kids will love it. Expect to spend a good 25 minutes teaching something as "simple" as this. 10 minutes for the initial lesson, and around 15 more helping each student individually (depending on how many you have). Tack on even more time afterward teaching about timing and misdirection for the trick.
After two or 3 "easy" effects like this, your session time will be up. You simply do not have a chance to even begin to teach advanced methodologies. It *will not* work, and should not even be included in the first place.
I am assuming this is not a magic camp. These kids are not there to learn magic per se. Remember that. Some kids (as hard as it is to believe), will just not care.
Your goal is to...
1) Find very very simple magic to teach, yet is well representative of what "good" magic is.
2) *Not* to expose methods behind magic that working magicians use. You certainly do not want to have a hundred kids go home exposing these methods to others (and they will, don't kid yourself), and (or) interfering with magicians they may run into at Birthday parties, Bar Mitzvahs, and the like.
3) Instill a interest in the art of magic so that they may want to continue the hobby outside of the camp experience. At the last session, provide literature on Suggested Reading, Magic Web Sites, Simple Commercial Magic Tricks, and Magic Dealers.
4) Covey the importance of the "rules of magic". I have 5 laid out on signs on the wall.
5) Perhaps most important, convey the importance of mutual respect towards other performers, whether it be yourself, other kids, or other magicians outside of camp.
These are lofty goals. With preparation and study, you should do well.
By: Steve V
I'm with the fella's here, remember you are teaching a magic class not
giving magic lessons. I think the jumping rubberbands is great, I
teach it to Boy Scouts and have never had one complain. I also teach a
simple card location using a key card and torn and restored napkin as
the biggie.
I would not attempt McDonalds Aces or the like because then, because most will be lost on the explanation, you are not teaching but exposing. Good luck.
By: Bob K
You sprung loose a few other thoughts from my rusty brain.
A few years ago I taught a 1/2 day magic class to 2 groups of high school students. It was the first time I'd tried to give lessons (okay- it was more than a *few* years ago, it was 15 or so). The first part of the class was a 10 minute show just to establish my credibility as a magician. Most of the next 1-1/2 hours were a semi-lecture about the history of magic, some of the principles of magic with a few tricks thrown in to demonstate them, and showing 3-4 short videos of various magicians to make specific points.
That left a little over an hour to teach them a few tricks. I planned 8 simple tricks to be taught while expecting to only have time to cover 4-5. I actually taught two.
The two tricks were the jumping rubber band and a 2 deck 'do as I do' using a bottom key card. Pretty simple... to us. It only took a couple minutes to demonstrate and explain the trick. Then I paired them up and had one person of each pair try the trick for the other person. It didn't take long to figure out which ones were getting it quickly and which ones weren't. So then I paired the quick learners with the slower ones and I walked around helping those that needed it the most.
By the end of the time most of them could do both tricks passably.
Nate's very ambitious and I think he be starting out with visions of several Lance Burton's emerging from his classes. But he's also very intelligent and I know he's capable of doing a great job, and he'll also take all the good advice from here to heart. Look for an email from him taking advantage of your offer to send him your lesson plans. You'll probably get one from me requesting them too.
By: Chuck Leach
Michael is right. I used to teach magic classes at a local college for
4-5 years, ages 9-90. Most of the items you are mentioning are way to
advanced for newbies. Many magic class teachers, including myself,
like to offer a small magic kit...length of rope, inexpensive paddle
trick (even homemade), paper clips, rubber bands, cheap deck, etc. If
putting many true magic items in the kit, call a few dealers and see
who will give you a deal on a bunch of stuff in quantity.
Couple other tips: Whatever you think you'll be able to teach in a term, or a day, you'll probably be able to teach about half that amount. It's great to have a teaching assistant, because a lot of teaching is one on one, and an entire class time can be spent going around and getting people's fingers to hold the rope correctly. Don't force people to get up in front of a class and perform. In one of my first classes, I was going to have everyone get up and perform after the break (I taught a three hour class). Only half the class came back from the break! Lastly, the most successful assignment I ever had was to make the class write a presentation for a trick. Students often claimed that became their favorite trick taught in the class.
By: Nathan Marsh
M.D.-
Thanks much, i'm definitely not taking this as
criticism...I'm
the one who's new to the game and I wanted to hear what those who've
done this before have discovered, and i'm sure glad i asked... nate.
By: Alain Aslag Roy
Everyone else has already offered good advice here, given to you
through years of experience. I have no experience teaching magic. But
I do have a suggestion.
Bryan Dean's other web site ( magic.about.com ), has a ton of easy magic tricks appropriate for beginners. You can find some real gems there. Which ones should you actually teach? I'll have to leave that up to you.
By: MK
There has been a number of great suggestions given. I'd like to add
that you may want to have a couple of different classes based on the
kids age. There is a huge difference in a 6 year old and an 8 year old
in terms of motor skill and attention span. Stick with easy
self-working tricks that the kids will have success with. I'd provide
written instructions also. I teach a number of different magic classes
at area park districts, as well as a Magic for Teachers class at an
area junior college. My background is in physical therapy so I use
magic therapeutically with patients - I've also recently written a
book that combines my therapy and magic backgrounds (entitled Applied
Magic). The magic effects taught are very basic, but there are
therapeutic applications for each effect. Magic is an outstanding tool
to improve motor skill, creative thinking, verbal and written
communication skills and self-esteem.
By: John H. Zander
I teach magic classes for two local cities. Mostly kids in the
class. The best resource that I have found for easy to perform,
effetive material is the Mark Wilson Course in Magic. Great book with
more that you could ask for in that situation.
By: Nathan Marsh
Thanks to all for their tremendous help in guiding me towards a more
appropriate curriculum...Particular thanks to Magic Duck and Micheal
Sibbernessen for emailing me resources (very helpful guys!)...
The reason I had originally wanted to teach sleights was that I remember how frustrating it was to try to learn them alone from books-not having someone to show me how it was supposed to look..etc..etc... I've decided to cover this by doing a section on how to read a magic book
As for my curriculum...it isn't nearly complete..but here's a basic outline of what I'm going to teach...
First Class:
The Rules:
-Never reveal a secret
-ALWAYS practice before performing
-do not explain what you are going to do in advance to the audience (i will offer clarification of this for them...and discuss exceptions)
-never repeat a trick for the same audience (i will discuss the exceptions to this as well...emphasizing that, for the time being, they ought to follow it)
-Respect your audience
-Respect other performers (I'll discuss performing at another magi's venue, heckling..etc..etc...)
BRIEF lectures on:
-How to read a magic book
-what is misdirection?
-what to do if...
-being natural
-how to practice
-where to learn more
-acting (a little about the silent script...and the importance of interesting presentations)
Tricks I'll be teaching (short list..more to follow as I brainstorm):
we'll start with basic card handling (holding the deck, shuffling etc.)
"A phenomenal memory" (a key-card effect out of Giobbi 1..will also allow me to talk about acting)
basic coin lapping (i'm going to teach the method the professor used for the last coin in "The Kangaroo Coins", simple and will allow me to talk about "being natural")
"Out of This World" (the original paul curry version)
the grandma's necklace principle
and, if time permits, some basic spongeball work out of mark wilson
how does it sound so far?
By: dondunn
Nate, I wouldn't rush into Out of This World until you get a good idea
of the ages and interests of the kids in the class. Yes, the original
version is still the best, but it's really a long drawn-out effect,one
where concentration is required, and it's much more impressive to
adults who have some idea of things like ESP and thought-control. It
requires a set-up, false shuffle, and attention -- which isn't the
kind of things 10-year-olds are likely to handle easily. Or even
14-year-olds. Maybe keep it until much later in your class, and start
with simpler things, like the 21-card trick, four robbers, "reading"
the cards behind your back, and stuff.
In telling how to read a magic book, are you going to supply the kids with a book to read -- Dummies, for example?
Cards, in general, by the way, don't seem to be anywhere as popular as they were in the days when I learned Out of this World. Only time I see kids using cards are on airplanes. Maybe instead of a regular deck, you could use a UNO deck?
By: Kaliix
My one suggestion would be to move up the sponge ball work so that it
comes after the basic card stuff. Sponge balls are pretty easy to
manipulate. Sponge balls taught me the importance of believeing what
you are doing. When done correctly, a sponge ball vanish is a great
visual effect. The key though, is believing that you actually put the
ball in that hand. It is nonverbal communication, that 80% that will
really make the audience believe the ball went in that hand too...so
that they won't look at your other hand, unless, of course, it is
"guilty". In order to not act guilty, the magician must "believe".
I would also venture to say that a good sponge ball routine has a solid example of misdirection. In my routine, I reach directly in to my coat pocket and steal another sponge ball out, right in front of the spectators. I have never gotten caught because the misdirection that "hides" the move is strong. The misdirection inherent in having the magic happen in the spectators hand (the reappearance of my sponge ball in their hand) demonstrates two very solid magic principles, misdirection (or directed attention) and the power of magic in the spectators hands.
Sponge balls give you good bang for your buck!
By: Gianni
I've followed your threads with great interest. I think your new
curriculum is much better now. I was going to post to suggest that you
definitely not tip DLs and Elmsleys to entire groups of young
people. The vast majority of those kids will probably never take up
magic with any seriousness and all you would be doing is tipping
things to a lot of kids unnecessarily. I did not post my thoughts
because so many guys really stood up quickly with great advice to
steer you away from that direction.
My only thoughts on your new plan is that I would not tip a trick as good as OOTW. In choosing your tricks I would bear in mind that most of these kids will not pursue magic, and so should not be given gems that the kids who do pursue magic will love to have in their arsenal. For card tricks I think key cards, some well-known self-workers (21 card trick and some others in the Longe series of books), and maybe a Svengali deck are good basics.
By: Magic Duck
Generally this looks good. I agree with the comments about OOTW. I
think it is too valuable to teach casually. Remember, if there are a
couple kids in this group who really take to the magic, then you can
teach them some effects privately. You might even be able to make some
side money this way. But for the masses I would remember that it is
mainly a way to entertain them, while teaching some easily remembered
effects.
By: Nathan Marsh
well..I will be teaching the magic class at Hiawatha Day Camp (Lutz, FL) this summer...it'll be a group of 6-13 year olds (i would prefer breaking those age groups into separate classes, but i'm the new kid on the block and don't want to rock the boat...just yet)...trying to find material to appeal to that entire age range is going to be a challenge...trying to keep the older ones challenged and the young ones interested...additionally the camp director seemed to assume i would simply use the old teacher's (who'll be teaching archery this year) curriculum and in passing said "oh, and David will buy all the magic and then show it to you so you can teach the kids"...he's apparently been buying them kits with Adam's ball and vase, siberian chain escape etc. kind's of stuff...I'm not knocking it but i'll try to convince her to allocate me some money for spongeballs (any dealers want to make a contribution?)...if not what do you guys think of teaching a spongeball routine with napkins or balled up tissue paper? I worry that the younger ones are too little to learn a deceptive false transfer and don't want to be "exposing" it to their audiences...any suggestions?
if this reads like someone thinking "out loud"..well, that's exactly
what it is..
By: Michael Sibbernsen
Take it from me, teaching young novices even an "easy" spongeball
routine is much easier said than done! Be warned
By: Joe M. Turner
You might want to try getting the older ones involved in helping you
teach the younger ones -- break the class up into small groups and put
some young ones in each group with an older "squad leader." You teach
the effect to the group, the squad leader (who presumably learned it
fairly quickly) helps go through the details in each small group while
you circulate between them.
Giving the older kids a little responsibility may help you keep their interest because now you're not teaching them the same stuff you're teaching the little kids -- you're recruiting them as "apprentices" to help you get the information to the littlest ones.
Maybe as a reward, you give the younger kids time to practice with each other while you teach the squad leaders a completely different, more advanced effect.
By: Jay S.
May I suggest something with Thimbles? I know this isn't as popular as
sponge rabbits/balls/dogs/elephants whatever but you would be amazed
at the possibilities and the simplicities. One of the first effects I
learned (thank you Henry Hay) is false transfer under the arm -
reappear behind the head. Another thing you may want to teach is
presentation - Speech, eye contact, planning, beginning, middle, end
etc.
By: Keith Raygor
I will be teaching an 11 week course to 20 chilren in a school
classroom setting, ages 7-11.
I'm thinking of mixing it up with half the weeks spent on commercial, begginner's tricks (ball & vase, imp bottle, etc.) and half spent on presentation, storytelling and simple moves and philosophies, probably using common objects like coins, tissue, etc.
What do you think of this idea?
Any resources out there for teaching a class like this?
I've already gone through the Collected Wisdom and found some great advice. Thanks!
By: John Zander
You will have a great time. I teach classes for the city of Cerritos
and Downey here in LA. They are six week classes with three weeks in
between.
I think that presentation is a very important thing to speak about. Although I don't get too "heavy" on the subject because most of the students will only be performing for close friends and family.
One thing that I do stress quite strongly in my classes is "the effect" and how it made them feel when they first saw it. As you know magicians, especially new magicians tend to dismiss an effect once they see how easy a method can be. The method tends to diminish the effect. So I let them think about an effect a bit before I tip and explain it.
The very first thing that I do is tape a duplicate card to the that I am going to force on the back wall of the class room.
Once the class fills up I use a cross cut force on someone in the class while talking to the class about magic. I then ask if they could have cut the deck anywhere? They say "yes." Then I ask if we have ever met before? They say "no."
I explain that even though we have never met before now, and even though you could have cut the deck anywhere, I knew what card you would cut to..... even before you came into the room. They all give you that "sure you do" look. I then say would you all please look at the back wall of the classroom.... do you all see a card taped to the wall? That card was there before you all came in and sat down. I have not been anywhere near card, in fact I have not even been to the back of the class room.
By now they are really thinking about the impossibility of what I am saying, which by now is so far removed from the force. I ask someone in the back of the class to go to the back of the class and remove the card but not to look at it just yet. I ask the student who picked the card to say the name of the card out loud. Then I ask the student to show the class the card. Believe me, they go nuts!
Here is where I illustrate my point. "How is that possible" I ask them. I do not know any of you. You could have cut the cards anywhere! But yet, I still knew what that card was going to be.... even before you came in. I ask that they remember just how they feel at this very moment and to try to remember that feeling when they learn the method to the effect and the others that they will learn. Because presented properly, that will be the feeling that they will give their audience, no matter how simple the method.
I also stay away from props or things that they have to additionally purchase. For the supply fee the get two decks, red and blue, rope, a jumbo card, a short card, a set of cards for 8 card brainwave, a set of cards for the two card monte and some animal cards that I make on the computer for a mental effect.
The only book that I think I have used for material for the class is the Mark Wilson course in magic. It is a gold mine for this type of thing. Tom Ogden's Magic for Idiots book is also a great resource.
Good luck and have a great time!
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