|
|
Jim Poor Special user Fairfax, VA 676 Posts |
I hope this fits here best...
Here's the background: I have an eight year old nephew who has trouble reading and spelling. He is in a custody situation where one parent won't do anything to get him extra help (and certainly won't take the time to help with magic), and the other has limited time to do so, but tries when the youngin' is around. I showed some magic, and got him a kit for Christmas and he has taken an interest. Here's the rub... I live 18 hours away and only get here every couple of years. Are there any resources out there that could keep him motivated to learn on his own, and not frustrate him because of his poor reading? I was thinking maybe a DVD? Just an example of what I am thinking; I tought him one of the hot rods that makes him learn to spell certain numbers, and it seems to have motivated him to get that down. Not much, but it is a start. Any other thoughts? For now, I have five days left and am trying to get him to do just a couple of effects really really well,,,,,,, Thanks, and sorry to ramble, but I have a cold Jim |
Spellbinder Inner circle The Holy City of East Orange, NJ 6438 Posts |
The Andrew Mayne "Wizard School" DVDs are good starters for kids of that age. Best gift you can give him along with the DVDs would be some stationary, envelopes and stamps so he can write to you and tell you how he is progressing in magic. Remember, writing is just backwards reading. Every time he writes to you, write back to him and send him another small trick or prop that he might need to go along with the DVD. That will motivate him to 1) keep writing and 2) keep working on magic now that the two of you have something in common to write about.
Professor Spellbinder
Professor Emeritus at the Turkey Buzzard Academy of Magik, Witchcraft and Wizardry http://www.magicnook.com Publisher of The Wizards' Journals |
Jim Poor Special user Fairfax, VA 676 Posts |
Thanks Spellbinder! I like the idea of getting him to write too.
|
harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Magic teaches a lot of things including
Reading, following instructions, taking constructive feedback... Other things might also interest him books on juggling..... One of my favorite places to perform is at Libraries. Recently my wife gave the library $$ to buy a children's book with name plate reading To Harris Deutsch the Nearly Normal Magician and Puppeteer, who believes in the magic of books and libraries. From his loving wife Annie. Thanks for encouraging getting better at reading. Staying in contact by phone and email with your nephew might keep up his interest. If you have or can borrow a video camera you might make a video of you teaching him some stuff. You are rich in helping others... and appreciated by, Harris
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
One of the best things to help with reading is finding books on a topic that he has an interest. If it's magic then send him magic books. Your point about him being "frustrated" due to them being at the wrong level is valid but one only gets better at reading by being exposed to books, reading and language. See if you can find one that also has lots of illustrations or pictures which can assist him with the text. You can also have him send you emails, letters if he has any questions. Good luck with your worthwhile goal.
|
Clownboy Veteran user 355 Posts |
Jim I am touched that you have really taken an interest in this boy and trying this hard at Helping him.
My Suggestions would be similar so I won't touch on that but wanted to give you some encouragement. Its people who care that make a difference!
As the Frogs say "Times Fun when you're having Flies"
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The little darlings » » How about teaching magic for the kiddos to motivate reading, etc? (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.01 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |