As mentioned before, I am a senior and tutor 4th graders and like to reward them for good works with a little magic. I am by no means a pro and because of some physical limitations can't do too much sleight of hand. So I was wondering if you could suggest some gaffed tricks, especially funny stuff, I could use that might amuse 10 year olds.
Bud

I also work with youth groups. I'm not sure if you are specifically requesting card tricks or just easy tricks. Here's a few simple (mostly non-card) effects I've used over the years.
Scotch and Soda
Hopping Half
Hot Rod
Crazy Mans Handcuffs (great rubberband trick)
Star Gazer (more rubberbands)
Dis-Jointed (yes, even us seniors can do this... no gaffs needed, great for kids)
Mental Photography
Glorpy
Any good rope routine
Color changing shoelaces
Odd-ball
I'll put some more on as I think about them. Good luck.
Rick

I would try and go with objects that look normal and fit your tutoring. Here's some things that should fit the scenario.

"Double X Rating Pen"- w/ penny & dime.
{url=http://www.thetrickery.com/?nd=full&key=6555&tagent=bmag&myaf=9685]"The No. 2 Pencil"[/url].
"Misled"- pencil w/ bill.
"Quick Change"-bulldog clip & coins.

Dime and penny, 1.35, elusive lifesavers, nickels to dimes, killer keys, invisible quarters, premonition (card trick by Solari)

Torn n Restored Homework?

I would consider putting a small show together with things like:

Breakaway Wand...this old timer is still a sure thing laugh with almost anyone not brain dead.

Breakaway Fan...follow up gag to above.

Bake a magic cake with a Dove Pan using above.

20th Century Silks

Change Bag for 20th Century vanish

Best,

What about the Number 2 Pencil? It's easy and fits the theme of teaching exceptionally well.

I like Steve Duschek's "Lethal Tender"

KILLER!!!!

:)

Doug

The Scotch and soda is a great one especially if your are teaching anything about money/banking/even math. This can be incorporated into the lesson.
I can't at the moment think of how to incorporate this one into a lesson plan but the Hot Rod (after much practice) is fantastic.
Good luck,
E

Sponge rabbits. Great effect for kids.

JB Magic has a little card trick out called "Optical Wallet." It's COMPLETELY self-working, no one I've performed it for has ever come close to figuring out how it's done and it is a real jaw-dropper. The crafting of the gimmick in that trick is pure genius. Fits in your pocket and magic doesn't get any easier.

Get a Change Cap, (from Creative Magic - they just came out this week). It's a change bag...but in the form of a baseball cap. It's a prop that's above suspicion and its possibilities are endless.

If the physical limitations you mentioned will allow you to use a TT, then I suggest learning the art of TT manipulation. The number of 'impromptu' miracles you can perform with a TT are limited only to your imagination and a lot has been put on video and paper that will give you plenty of routines to keep your kids busy.

If you can perform the classic paddle move, then by all means get "The Number 2 Pencil." The kids will love it.