I've been teaching an enrichemnet program for the last 5 weeks. the program was supposed to end this week but there was a screw up in the scheduling info that was passed on to me and the class will go for another week. I need smething that is cheap and easy for the k-2 grade level. We have all ready done ball and vase, drawer box, color changing silk and the coin slide. Any suggestions?

Cups and balls.

Do the basic penetrations, no large loads. See the first part of the routine in the Mark Wilson book.

For apparatus, go to a Dollar store and get plastic cups that nest (you could even use those disposable plastic Solo cups). Use small fuzzy pom poms (you can buy in bulk from crafts stores) as the balls. Since the pom poms compress, you don't need a great deal of room between the cups.

This age group loves the coloring book. They will surprise you with how well they will learn a routine.

Enjoy!

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

What bout the jumping rubberbands? that's a cheap yet effective trick to show off!

Robert

I would recommend the Magic Birthday Class by James Munton...this is something that doesn't have to be only for birthdays...watch this and you'll find out tons of good information and as well the types of effects that work for this setting...basically any simple effect that you can do well and present well

Yes, I second James' DVD. It has a lot of easy magic tricks on it that you can perform and teach. But it also allows you to see how another performer presents these tricks in a class-type format.

Having said that, one trick that I have used for a few years during teach-a-trick segments is the Clairvoyant Crayons. This is found in many beginner magic books, but can really be a powerful trick if presented right. One rendereing of this trick is available at http://magic.about.com/od/libraryofsimpletricks/ss/Crayontrick.htm.

Give it a try.

Scott .

And then the next time they see a magician performing his routine they'll all shout....I know that one!!!!!

The MCB is the backbone of many kid's performers routines. Best not mess with it.



K-2 will struggle with Cups and Balls. This is 5-7 year olds.

I would suggest

1) Jumping rubber band (as above)
2) Have them draw a lady on a 10cm x 30 cm piece of paper and then have them slip the lady into an envelope with the ends cut off and cut her in half! Fun and easy to do.
3) Teach them balloon animals. Easy. Fun. and no exposure!

Yes, the James Munton DVD is very good, and Brian Flora's information is even better, but I think he's in need of material he can use right away for the class. Here are a couple of ideas that I've used:

1. 21 Card Trick - much too complicated for this age group, but you can reduce it to the 9 card trick, using 3 rows of 3. You can get four decks from the dollar store, and have cards for 20 kids.

2. Sheep and Thieves coin trick - this is an old, mathmatical coin trick involving seven coins (or seven of any small object). Almost self-working, and most five year olds can do it.

3. Clairvoyant Crayons - Scott already mentioned this, but I'll second his idea.

My experience has been that the Jumping Rubberband is too hard - little ones can't keep the band on their fingers while they bend the other fingers in. I tried Cups and Balls many years ago, and it was too hard for them also.

I hope this helps you - good luck.

Ron

Hi guys,

Thanks for the endorsements! Actually, Ron is correct that Brian Flora's tape is better for this younger age group. My class is aimed at 8-12 year-olds although I have done the class for younger kids with mixed results.

How about the "Two little dickie birds sitting on a wall" trick? Or you could teach them how to pull off their thumb.

Best,
James