Tricks to teach kids

vIQleS · 28th July 2009, 10:31 PM

I've volunteered for the library lockdown next weekend, and they've asked me to teach some magic tricks as one of the activity stations...

There will be 5 groups, and I thought it'd be nice to teach them all something different so that they can show each other...

I've been looking at my old lessons from when i used to do this at an afterschool program, and i've decided that the tricks are mostly too hard to teach in 20 mins (e.g. french drop and rubber band penetration :-D)

So I need some other ideas... So far i'm considering:

* Jumping rubber band (Rubber band jumps from index and middle fingers to ring and little etc)

* Xerox deck (from magic for dummies - force a card, show a photocopy of fronts of cards, one is face down - turn page over and its the only faceup)

* a key card trick (bet you 5 bucks the next card i turn over is yours...)

* reverse card (chosen card is reversed)

* Cut and restored rope...

Good mix? Any other ideas?

jay.tarnoff · 29th July 2009, 07:29 AM

It's not really a trick on its own, but I have found that kids like to learn the basic French Drop as an easy way to vanish a coin/small object. All you would really need to get them started is a bunch of pennies to practice with.

Bob Klase · 29th July 2009, 10:01 AM

A couple I've used in after-school classes. I think 20 minutes is probably enough for any of these unless the kids are very young and the group larger than 3 or 4:

The Big Money Rises- page 55, Magic for Dummies

The Escape on page 251 of Magic for Dummies

I've used a color changing crayon using the method for the straw-wrapper trick on page 106.

Threading the needle (rope or string)- don't have a reference handy. I'm pretty sure it's in the Mark Wilson book.

Two to one string- no reference but it's an old trick in many books.

vIQleS · 29th July 2009, 02:55 PM

I should probably mention at this point that I loaned my copy of MFD to someone and i have no idea where it is...

But thanks for those... I should be able to put something together with all that....

Bob Klase · 29th July 2009, 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by vIQleS

I should probably mention at this point that I loaned my copy of MFD to someone and i have no idea where it is...

But thanks for those... I should be able to put something together with all that....

All those I listed are common in other books- I used MFD titles and page #'s since you'd mentioned it. But it's likely you're familiar with the effects even without the book:

The Big Money Rises- you lay two bills (ie $1 and $5) on the table in an overlapping 'L' shape. You roll the bills up together and when unrolled they've changed places (the one on top is now on the bottom and vice versa)- I cut colored paper to the size of bills to teach kids.

The Escape on page 251 of Magic for Dummies- Your wrists are tied together (or handcuffed), then a long piece of rope is looped once over the center of the handcuffs (or whatever you're tied with). Under cover of a handkerchief you escape from the long piece of rope (although not necessarily the handcuffs).

The color changing crayon uses a napkin or handkerchief. The napkin is placed on the table folded in 1/2 diagonally and the crayon (or other object to be changed) is placed on the napkin at the folded edge. The object is rolled up in the napkin and then unrolled and it's changed.

Threading the needle- Very old trick- you wrap a piece of string or rope around your thumb several times, then make a loop between your thumb and forefiinger. One end of the rope is threaded through that loop 'without letting go of anything'.

Two to one string- also very old. You have two pieces of string, put one end of each in your hand (mouth, etc) and the ends join to create one piece.

vIQleS · 29th July 2009, 03:59 PM

Yeah - I had figured the straw/napkin, and the bill switch.

I've never seen the loop one before tho...

And I'm liking the escape one too, now that you've mentioned it. I'll definitely put that in...

Cheers

Bob Klase · 29th July 2009, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by vIQleS

Yeah - I had figured the straw/napkin, and the bill switch.

I've never seen the loop one before tho...

And I'm liking the escape one too, now that you've mentioned it. I'll definitely put that in...

Cheers

I just checked the Mark Wilson books (Complete Course and Cyclopedia) and both the string/rope tricks are in those. Threading the Needle is under that title. Two to One String is called Cut and Restored String (most write ups in beginner books skip the cutting part and just start with 2 pieces of string- that simplifies the setup).

MikeSun5 · 30th July 2009, 11:28 PM

one effect that I've noticed kids love to learn and practice is one I learned years ago from James Randi busting that James Hydrick guy.
http://www.randi.org/jr/2006-09/092206bad.html#i11

Senex · 31st July 2009, 07:29 AM

The rising ring on a pencil trick. You have a black string attached to your body and you have a notch in the pencil's eraser. You can make the ring rise and leave yourself clean at the end.

I'm ashamed to say how many 5th grade parochial schooled young women fell for my Chris Angel like powers with this little gem

Minadin · 31st July 2009, 10:19 PM

I do one card trick for kids where the 4 Jacks try to rob the bank (the deck). Each one takes a floor and the leader goes to the roof. When the leader sees the police arriving, he knocks on the roof door (you rap the deck with your knuckles) so that the other 3 Jacks will know to come to the roof to make their getaway. You then flip over the 4 Jacks from the top of the deck.

Kids love it - maybe as much for the story as for the trick.

On a related note - my girlfriend's daughter, who will be turning 8 in September, has always been interested in magic tricks since I showed her how to do a couple. I don't know that many - I just remember a few from a magic book and prop kit that I got where I was about her age. Does anyone have any recommendations for a book or kit or combo that would be good for a birthday present? Something with easy-to-do tricks, illustrations, etc would be best.

Bob Klase · 1st August 2009, 08:35 AM

All three of these are very good starter books.

Joshua Jay Complete Course

Mark Wilson Complete Course

Magic For Dummies

dann · 3rd August 2009, 01:05 PM

Probably too late now, but ...
I don't know the name of the street scam where the mark has to guess which cup the ball is in - and never does because it's in the scammer's hand - but it is a trick that everybody ought to know, and it's pretty easy to learn.

vIQleS · 5th August 2009, 02:48 PM

Not too late - the thing isn't until the 15th.

The shell game?

I've got my list now tho - and the winners are:

Cut and Restored Rope
Xerox Deck
Professors Nightmare
The simple escape described above
Key Card Trick

Thanks for all the suggestions - I'll probably use some of these for next time...

I've just about finished preparing the handouts - if anyone would be keen to have a look / help with proof-read etc, let me know. I'll see if I can get them online somewhere...

Minadin · 5th August 2009, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by Bob Klase

All three of these are very good starter books.

Joshua Jay Complete Course

Mark Wilson Complete Course

Magic For Dummies

Those all look like really good suggestions, but for a 7-year-old, going on 8, I am thinking that a book in the style of 'Magic for Dummies' might be the best option, but I don't really want it to seem like I am calling her a 'dummy' on her birthday. Do you think that the other 2 books would be easily comprehensible for a 2nd-grader? She's pretty smart, but it might be nice if there were illustrations, etc.

Thanks again.

arthwollipot · 5th August 2009, 10:55 PM

I've just got to the point where I can almost reliably perform a French Drop. It's taken me almost two weeks of practicing, but I can just about do it now without it looking like I'm doing a trick. Now, on to a Second Trick!

vIQleS · 5th August 2009, 11:02 PM

Dummies is a well known series of books - I'm sure she'll have seen them.

It's probably the best series for anyone starting out in anything - they are very well written and easy to follow.

I've not read the other two books, but for 7-8 year olds, check out what's in your local library (792.6 ish - ask a librarian :-D). There will be heaps of magic books for kids. She can move onto the more advanced stuff once she's mastered the 'kids stuff'.

As a present, she should love MfD. (Maybe consider a magic kit from the local toy / book shop as well...)

vIQleS · 5th August 2009, 11:03 PM

Originally Posted by arthwollipot

I've just got to the point where I can almost reliably perform a French Drop. It's taken me almost two weeks of practicing, but I can just about do it now without it looking like I'm doing a trick. Now, on to a Second Trick!

YT?

arthwollipot · 6th August 2009, 01:16 AM

Originally Posted by vIQleS

YT?

Bob Klase · 6th August 2009, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by Minadin

Those all look like really good suggestions, but for a 7-year-old, going on 8, I am thinking that a book in the style of 'Magic for Dummies' might be the best option, but I don't really want it to seem like I am calling her a 'dummy' on her birthday. Do you think that the other 2 books would be easily comprehensible for a 2nd-grader? She's pretty smart, but it might be nice if there were illustrations, etc.

Thanks again.

I'd say that all 3 books are close to the same comprehension level for that age. In order I'd say the Wilson book is probably the easiest, then Dummies and then the Jay book. But any kid that can read and comprehend one of them would probably have no real trouble with either of the other 2.

I'd go with the Mark Wilson book for that age. It has plenty of illustrations (many more than Joshua Jay's book, a few more than Dummies).

If you go with the Wilson book, be sure to get the Mark Wilson Complete Course in Magic and not the smaller Mark Wilson Cyclopedia of Magic. The Cyclopedia has almost everything that's in the Course and is a little cheaper, but it's much smaller (both the book and the typeface) and harder to read.

Minadin · 9th August 2009, 08:20 AM

Originally Posted by Bob Klase

I'd say that all 3 books are close to the same comprehension level for that age. In order I'd say the Wilson book is probably the easiest, then Dummies and then the Jay book. But any kid that can read and comprehend one of them would probably have no real trouble with either of the other 2.

I'd go with the Mark Wilson book for that age. It has plenty of illustrations (many more than Joshua Jay's book, a few more than Dummies).

If you go with the Wilson book, be sure to get the Mark Wilson Complete Course in Magic and not the smaller Mark Wilson Cyclopedia of Magic. The Cyclopedia has almost everything that's in the Course and is a little cheaper, but it's much smaller (both the book and the typeface) and harder to read.

Thanks again for the advice and the breakdown. I decided to take it, and ordered the Mark Wilson Complete Course in Magic you suggested. It should arrive later this week, I hope.

Bob Klase · 9th August 2009, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by Minadin

Thanks again for the advice and the breakdown. I decided to take it, and ordered the Mark Wilson Complete Course in Magic you suggested. It should arrive later this week, I hope.

Let me know if you (and she) are happy with it.

Minadin · 9th August 2009, 11:43 AM

I'll have about a month to browse it before I need to wrap it for her birthday. So, I'll certainly let you know. In the mean time - where should I go to look for a little box set of 'magic' props / toys that would be suitible for a 2nd grader? I don't know if I should go to a toy store or if there's a sort of specialty shop I should be looking into.

Thanks again.

Bob Klase · 9th August 2009, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by Minadin

I'll have about a month to browse it before I need to wrap it for her birthday. So, I'll certainly let you know. In the mean time - where should I go to look for a little box set of 'magic' props / toys that would be suitible for a 2nd grader? I don't know if I should go to a toy store or if there's a sort of specialty shop I should be looking into.

The first place I'd check (especially if you're cheap, poor or just don't want to spend a lot) is any dollar stores in your area. They don't always have them, but I have seen boxed tricks in $1 stores off and on. If they do have any the quality won't be first rate, but it will be as good as anything you might get for $3-$5 somewhere else.

If you don't have any luck there you could try some toy stores. They'll sometimes have magic sets. The other option would be any magic stores close to you- they'll generally be the most expensive source, but they'll also have to largest selection and help in finding what you want.

The last resort is looking online- that can be very difficult when you're not sure what you want, but google 'beginner magic set' and you'll find several sites that look reasonable to me such as Magic Geeks or this one. The Target web site also shows several magic sets.

Brown · 10th August 2009, 02:46 PM

Here's a classic: Sticking a pin in a balloon without the balloon popping.

Minadin · 26th August 2009, 12:41 AM

FYI: My girlfriend checked out the book a little bit and I have been informed (instructed?) that I will be the one learning the tricks and then teaching them. I suspect she doesn't want to have to be the entire audience for a bunch of 'practices'.

So. I've decided to focus on Card Tricks of various styles which can be performed with a normal deck, and the book has a lot of those. Eventually, I imagine the kid will want the book for herself and I'll have to get my own. I can get a couple of nice regular decks and a couple of trick decks of cards easily and cheaply. I already found one miniature deck I think she will like (cards roughly 1.5" x 2.25").

28th July 2009, 10:31 PM	#1
vIQleS Muse Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Auckland NZ Posts: 696	Tricks to teach kids I've volunteered for the library lockdown next weekend, and they've asked me to teach some magic tricks as one of the activity stations... There will be 5 groups, and I thought it'd be nice to teach them all something different so that they can show each other... I've been looking at my old lessons from when i used to do this at an afterschool program, and i've decided that the tricks are mostly too hard to teach in 20 mins (e.g. french drop and rubber band penetration :-D) So I need some other ideas... So far i'm considering: * Jumping rubber band (Rubber band jumps from index and middle fingers to ring and little etc) * Xerox deck (from magic for dummies - force a card, show a photocopy of fronts of cards, one is face down - turn page over and its the only faceup) * a key card trick (bet you 5 bucks the next card i turn over is yours...) * reverse card (chosen card is reversed) * Cut and restored rope... Good mix? Any other ideas?
	__________________ "I neither believe nor doubt. I am simply trying to verify her assertions." "As an android, I am unable to accept that which cannot be proven through rational means..." - Lt Cmdr Data http://facebook.com/vIQleS

29th July 2009, 07:29 AM	#2
jay.tarnoff Scholar Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 64	It's not really a trick on its own, but I have found that kids like to learn the basic French Drop as an easy way to vanish a coin/small object. All you would really need to get them started is a bunch of pennies to practice with.
	Last edited by jay.tarnoff; 29th July 2009 at 07:31 AM.

29th July 2009, 02:55 PM	#4
vIQleS Muse Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Auckland NZ Posts: 696	I should probably mention at this point that I loaned my copy of MFD to someone and i have no idea where it is... But thanks for those... I should be able to put something together with all that....
	__________________ "I neither believe nor doubt. I am simply trying to verify her assertions." "As an android, I am unable to accept that which cannot be proven through rational means..." - Lt Cmdr Data http://facebook.com/vIQleS

29th July 2009, 03:59 PM	#6
vIQleS Muse Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Auckland NZ Posts: 696	Yeah - I had figured the straw/napkin, and the bill switch. I've never seen the loop one before tho... And I'm liking the escape one too, now that you've mentioned it. I'll definitely put that in... Cheers
	__________________ "I neither believe nor doubt. I am simply trying to verify her assertions." "As an android, I am unable to accept that which cannot be proven through rational means..." - Lt Cmdr Data http://facebook.com/vIQleS

30th July 2009, 11:28 PM	#8
MikeSun5 Trigger Happy Pacifist, Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 827	one effect that I've noticed kids love to learn and practice is one I learned years ago from James Randi busting that James Hydrick guy. http://www.randi.org/jr/2006-09/092206bad.html#i11
	__________________ I always wondered if those WWJD bracelets worked, so I bought one. Well later, I was on a plane and this little kid was kicking my seat repeatedly, while his sister sang along with her walkman and their mother just sat there. I almost turned around and went off, and then I caught sight of my bracelet. What would Jesus do? So I lit them on fire and sent them all to Hell. --Daniel Tosh

29th July 2009, 10:01 AM	#3
Bob Klase Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 2,389	A couple I've used in after-school classes. I think 20 minutes is probably enough for any of these unless the kids are very young and the group larger than 3 or 4: The Big Money Rises- page 55, Magic for Dummies The Escape on page 251 of Magic for Dummies I've used a color changing crayon using the method for the straw-wrapper trick on page 106. Threading the needle (rope or string)- don't have a reference handy. I'm pretty sure it's in the Mark Wilson book. Two to one string- no reference but it's an old trick in many books.

29th July 2009, 03:28 PM	#5
Bob Klase Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 2,389	Originally Posted by vIQleS I should probably mention at this point that I loaned my copy of MFD to someone and i have no idea where it is... But thanks for those... I should be able to put something together with all that.... All those I listed are common in other books- I used MFD titles and page #'s since you'd mentioned it. But it's likely you're familiar with the effects even without the book: The Big Money Rises- you lay two bills (ie $1 and $5) on the table in an overlapping 'L' shape. You roll the bills up together and when unrolled they've changed places (the one on top is now on the bottom and vice versa)- I cut colored paper to the size of bills to teach kids. The Escape on page 251 of Magic for Dummies- Your wrists are tied together (or handcuffed), then a long piece of rope is looped once over the center of the handcuffs (or whatever you're tied with). Under cover of a handkerchief you escape from the long piece of rope (although not necessarily the handcuffs). The color changing crayon uses a napkin or handkerchief. The napkin is placed on the table folded in 1/2 diagonally and the crayon (or other object to be changed) is placed on the napkin at the folded edge. The object is rolled up in the napkin and then unrolled and it's changed. Threading the needle- Very old trick- you wrap a piece of string or rope around your thumb several times, then make a loop between your thumb and forefiinger. One end of the rope is threaded through that loop 'without letting go of anything'. Two to one string- also very old. You have two pieces of string, put one end of each in your hand (mouth, etc) and the ends join to create one piece.

29th July 2009, 04:12 PM	#7
Bob Klase Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 2,389	Originally Posted by vIQleS Yeah - I had figured the straw/napkin, and the bill switch. I've never seen the loop one before tho... And I'm liking the escape one too, now that you've mentioned it. I'll definitely put that in... Cheers I just checked the Mark Wilson books (Complete Course and Cyclopedia) and both the string/rope tricks are in those. Threading the Needle is under that title. Two to One String is called Cut and Restored String (most write ups in beginner books skip the cutting part and just start with 2 pieces of string- that simplifies the setup).

31st July 2009, 07:29 AM	#9
Senex Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: An autobody repair shop in Connecticut Posts: 1,798	The rising ring on a pencil trick. You have a black string attached to your body and you have a notch in the pencil's eraser. You can make the ring rise and leave yourself clean at the end. I'm ashamed to say how many 5th grade parochial schooled young women fell for my Chris Angel like powers with this little gem
	__________________ I cannot call to mind a single instance where I have ever been irreverent, except toward the things which were sacred to other people. Mark Twain

31st July 2009, 10:19 PM	#10
Minadin Hiding his Head in the Sane Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: St. Louis Posts: 2,191	I do one card trick for kids where the 4 Jacks try to rob the bank (the deck). Each one takes a floor and the leader goes to the roof. When the leader sees the police arriving, he knocks on the roof door (you rap the deck with your knuckles) so that the other 3 Jacks will know to come to the roof to make their getaway. You then flip over the 4 Jacks from the top of the deck. Kids love it - maybe as much for the story as for the trick. On a related note - my girlfriend's daughter, who will be turning 8 in September, has always been interested in magic tricks since I showed her how to do a couple. I don't know that many - I just remember a few from a magic book and prop kit that I got where I was about her age. Does anyone have any recommendations for a book or kit or combo that would be good for a birthday present? Something with easy-to-do tricks, illustrations, etc would be best.
	__________________ Do not seek the truth, only cease to cherish your opinions. If you understand, things are just as they are; if you do not understand, things are just as they are. Support the democratic freedom of the people of Iran.

1st August 2009, 08:35 AM	#11
Bob Klase Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 2,389	All three of these are very good starter books. Joshua Jay Complete Course Mark Wilson Complete Course Magic For Dummies

3rd August 2009, 01:05 PM	#12
dann Master Poster Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Frederiksberg (Copenhagen) Posts: 2,895	Probably too late now, but ... I don't know the name of the street scam where the mark has to guess which cup the ball is in - and never does because it's in the scammer's hand - but it is a trick that everybody ought to know, and it's pretty easy to learn.
	__________________ /dann "Stupidity renders itself invisible by assuming very large proportions. Completely unreasonable claims are irrefutable. Ni-en-leh pointed out that a philosopher might get into trouble by claiming that two times two makes five, but he does not risk much by claiming that two times two makes shoe polish." B. Brecht "The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions." K. Marx Last edited by dann; 3rd August 2009 at 01:06 PM.

5th August 2009, 02:48 PM	#13
vIQleS Muse Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Auckland NZ Posts: 696	Not too late - the thing isn't until the 15th. The shell game? I've got my list now tho - and the winners are: Cut and Restored Rope Xerox Deck Professors Nightmare The simple escape described above Key Card Trick Thanks for all the suggestions - I'll probably use some of these for next time... I've just about finished preparing the handouts - if anyone would be keen to have a look / help with proof-read etc, let me know. I'll see if I can get them online somewhere...
	__________________ "I neither believe nor doubt. I am simply trying to verify her assertions." "As an android, I am unable to accept that which cannot be proven through rational means..." - Lt Cmdr Data http://facebook.com/vIQleS

5th August 2009, 10:48 PM	#14
Minadin Hiding his Head in the Sane Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: St. Louis Posts: 2,191	Originally Posted by Bob Klase All three of these are very good starter books. Joshua Jay Complete Course Mark Wilson Complete Course Magic For Dummies Those all look like really good suggestions, but for a 7-year-old, going on 8, I am thinking that a book in the style of 'Magic for Dummies' might be the best option, but I don't really want it to seem like I am calling her a 'dummy' on her birthday. Do you think that the other 2 books would be easily comprehensible for a 2nd-grader? She's pretty smart, but it might be nice if there were illustrations, etc. Thanks again.
	__________________ Do not seek the truth, only cease to cherish your opinions. If you understand, things are just as they are; if you do not understand, things are just as they are. Support the democratic freedom of the people of Iran.

5th August 2009, 10:55 PM	#15
arthwollipot The Accidental Podcaster Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: On the other side of your screen. Posts: 25,283	I've just got to the point where I can almost reliably perform a French Drop. It's taken me almost two weeks of practicing, but I can just about do it now without it looking like I'm doing a trick. Now, on to a Second Trick!
	__________________ The Nonsense Podcast Features the LHC and multi-dimensional portals, The wonder herb Tribulus, the Catholic church and homosexuals, John Edward visits, some information on Wilhelm Reich and Orgone, we get to know Dave the Happy Singer plus more! What's an "arthwollipot"?

5th August 2009, 11:02 PM	#16
vIQleS Muse Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Auckland NZ Posts: 696	Dummies is a well known series of books - I'm sure she'll have seen them. It's probably the best series for anyone starting out in anything - they are very well written and easy to follow. I've not read the other two books, but for 7-8 year olds, check out what's in your local library (792.6 ish - ask a librarian :-D). There will be heaps of magic books for kids. She can move onto the more advanced stuff once she's mastered the 'kids stuff'. As a present, she should love MfD. (Maybe consider a magic kit from the local toy / book shop as well...)
	__________________ "I neither believe nor doubt. I am simply trying to verify her assertions." "As an android, I am unable to accept that which cannot be proven through rational means..." - Lt Cmdr Data http://facebook.com/vIQleS

5th August 2009, 11:03 PM	#17
vIQleS Muse Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Auckland NZ Posts: 696	Originally Posted by arthwollipot I've just got to the point where I can almost reliably perform a French Drop. It's taken me almost two weeks of practicing, but I can just about do it now without it looking like I'm doing a trick. Now, on to a Second Trick! YT?
	__________________ "I neither believe nor doubt. I am simply trying to verify her assertions." "As an android, I am unable to accept that which cannot be proven through rational means..." - Lt Cmdr Data http://facebook.com/vIQleS

6th August 2009, 01:16 AM	#18
arthwollipot The Accidental Podcaster Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: On the other side of your screen. Posts: 25,283	Originally Posted by vIQleS YT?
	__________________ The Nonsense Podcast Features the LHC and multi-dimensional portals, The wonder herb Tribulus, the Catholic church and homosexuals, John Edward visits, some information on Wilhelm Reich and Orgone, we get to know Dave the Happy Singer plus more! What's an "arthwollipot"?

6th August 2009, 10:03 AM	#19
Bob Klase Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 2,389	Originally Posted by Minadin Those all look like really good suggestions, but for a 7-year-old, going on 8, I am thinking that a book in the style of 'Magic for Dummies' might be the best option, but I don't really want it to seem like I am calling her a 'dummy' on her birthday. Do you think that the other 2 books would be easily comprehensible for a 2nd-grader? She's pretty smart, but it might be nice if there were illustrations, etc. Thanks again. I'd say that all 3 books are close to the same comprehension level for that age. In order I'd say the Wilson book is probably the easiest, then Dummies and then the Jay book. But any kid that can read and comprehend one of them would probably have no real trouble with either of the other 2. I'd go with the Mark Wilson book for that age. It has plenty of illustrations (many more than Joshua Jay's book, a few more than Dummies). If you go with the Wilson book, be sure to get the Mark Wilson Complete Course in Magic and not the smaller Mark Wilson Cyclopedia of Magic. The Cyclopedia has almost everything that's in the Course and is a little cheaper, but it's much smaller (both the book and the typeface) and harder to read.

9th August 2009, 08:20 AM	#20
Minadin Hiding his Head in the Sane Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: St. Louis Posts: 2,191	Originally Posted by Bob Klase I'd say that all 3 books are close to the same comprehension level for that age. In order I'd say the Wilson book is probably the easiest, then Dummies and then the Jay book. But any kid that can read and comprehend one of them would probably have no real trouble with either of the other 2. I'd go with the Mark Wilson book for that age. It has plenty of illustrations (many more than Joshua Jay's book, a few more than Dummies). If you go with the Wilson book, be sure to get the Mark Wilson Complete Course in Magic and not the smaller Mark Wilson Cyclopedia of Magic. The Cyclopedia has almost everything that's in the Course and is a little cheaper, but it's much smaller (both the book and the typeface) and harder to read. Thanks again for the advice and the breakdown. I decided to take it, and ordered the Mark Wilson Complete Course in Magic you suggested. It should arrive later this week, I hope.
	__________________ Do not seek the truth, only cease to cherish your opinions. If you understand, things are just as they are; if you do not understand, things are just as they are. Support the democratic freedom of the people of Iran.

9th August 2009, 10:44 AM	#21
Bob Klase Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 2,389	Originally Posted by Minadin Thanks again for the advice and the breakdown. I decided to take it, and ordered the Mark Wilson Complete Course in Magic you suggested. It should arrive later this week, I hope. Let me know if you (and she) are happy with it.

9th August 2009, 11:43 AM	#22
Minadin Hiding his Head in the Sane Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: St. Louis Posts: 2,191	I'll have about a month to browse it before I need to wrap it for her birthday. So, I'll certainly let you know. In the mean time - where should I go to look for a little box set of 'magic' props / toys that would be suitible for a 2nd grader? I don't know if I should go to a toy store or if there's a sort of specialty shop I should be looking into. Thanks again.
	__________________ Do not seek the truth, only cease to cherish your opinions. If you understand, things are just as they are; if you do not understand, things are just as they are. Support the democratic freedom of the people of Iran.

9th August 2009, 09:33 PM	#23
Bob Klase Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 2,389	Originally Posted by Minadin I'll have about a month to browse it before I need to wrap it for her birthday. So, I'll certainly let you know. In the mean time - where should I go to look for a little box set of 'magic' props / toys that would be suitible for a 2nd grader? I don't know if I should go to a toy store or if there's a sort of specialty shop I should be looking into. The first place I'd check (especially if you're cheap, poor or just don't want to spend a lot) is any dollar stores in your area. They don't always have them, but I have seen boxed tricks in $1 stores off and on. If they do have any the quality won't be first rate, but it will be as good as anything you might get for $3-$5 somewhere else. If you don't have any luck there you could try some toy stores. They'll sometimes have magic sets. The other option would be any magic stores close to you- they'll generally be the most expensive source, but they'll also have to largest selection and help in finding what you want. The last resort is looking online- that can be very difficult when you're not sure what you want, but google 'beginner magic set' and you'll find several sites that look reasonable to me such as Magic Geeks or this one. The Target web site also shows several magic sets.

10th August 2009, 02:46 PM	#24
Brown Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Twin Cities, Canada Posts: 9,025	Here's a classic: Sticking a pin in a balloon without the balloon popping.
	__________________ Klaatu: I'm impatient with stupidity. My people have learned to live without it. Mr. Harley: I'm afraid my people haven't. I am very sorry. I wish it were otherwise. -- The Day The Earth Stood Still, screenplay by Edmund H. North "Don't you get me wrong. I only want to know." -- Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, lyrics by Tim Rice

26th August 2009, 12:41 AM	#25
Minadin Hiding his Head in the Sane Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: St. Louis Posts: 2,191	FYI: My girlfriend checked out the book a little bit and I have been informed (instructed?) that I will be the one learning the tricks and then teaching them. I suspect she doesn't want to have to be the entire audience for a bunch of 'practices'. So. I've decided to focus on Card Tricks of various styles which can be performed with a normal deck, and the book has a lot of those. Eventually, I imagine the kid will want the book for herself and I'll have to get my own. I can get a couple of nice regular decks and a couple of trick decks of cards easily and cheaply. I already found one miniature deck I think she will like (cards roughly 1.5" x 2.25").
	__________________ Do not seek the truth, only cease to cherish your opinions. If you understand, things are just as they are; if you do not understand, things are just as they are. Support the democratic freedom of the people of Iran.