Magic Show: The Art of Performance

Ciara McNearly

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Magic Show: The Art of Performance

Learn basic magic tricks and performance

In this lesson, students will learn basic magic tricks and the art of performance. They will practice these tricks and create a short magic show to perform in front of their peers. This lesson helps build confidence, public speaking skills, and creativity.

Audience

Achievers (ages 9-10)

Time

1 hour 30 mins

Approach

Learn basic magic tricks and performance

Materials

Deck of cards, Coins, Handkerchiefs, Magic Trick Worksheet, and Performance Discussion Guide

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Welcome the students and introduce the lesson topic: Magic and Performance.
Explain the objectives: Learn basic magic tricks and perform them.
Discuss the importance of performance skills like confidence and public speaking.

Step 2

Magic Trick Demonstration

20 mins

Demonstrate 2-3 simple magic tricks (e.g., card trick, coin trick, handkerchief trick).
Explain each step slowly and clearly.
Answer any questions the students might have.

Step 3

Practice Time

30 mins

Hand out the Magic Trick Worksheet.
Allow students to practice the tricks in pairs or small groups.
Walk around to provide assistance and encouragement.
Ensure each student understands and can perform at least one trick.

Step 4

Performance Preparation

10 mins

Have students form small groups to plan a short magic show.
Encourage them to think about how they will present their tricks and engage the audience.
Provide tips on performance skills like speaking clearly and making eye contact.

Step 5

Magic Show

15 mins

Each group performs their magic show in front of the class.
Encourage applause and positive feedback from the audience.

Step 6

Discussion and Reflection

5 mins

Use the Performance Discussion Guide to reflect on the experience.
Discuss what they learned about magic and performance.
Encourage students to share their favorite part of the lesson and any challenges they faced.

Step 7

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Congratulate the students on their performances.
Encourage them to continue practicing their magic tricks and performance skills.

Worksheet

Magic Trick Worksheet

This worksheet provides step-by-step instructions for the magic tricks demonstrated in the lesson.

Card Trick: Describe the steps to perform the card trick.

Step 1: Shuffle the deck. Step 2: Ask a volunteer to pick a card...

Coin Trick: Describe the steps to perform the coin trick.

Step 1: Hold the coin in your palm. Step 2: Make a fist...

Handkerchief Trick: Describe the steps to perform the handkerchief trick.

Step 1: Show the handkerchief. Step 2: Hide it in your hand...

Discussion

Performance Discussion Guide

This guide helps facilitate a discussion on the performance skills learned during the magic show.

What was the most challenging part of performing your magic trick?

Encourage students to think about the difficulties they faced and how they overcame them.

How did you feel while performing in front of your peers?

Discuss feelings of nervousness, excitement, and how they managed these emotions.

What performance skills did you use during your magic show?

Highlight skills like clear speaking, eye contact, and engaging the audience.

What did you enjoy most about the magic show?

Encourage students to share positive experiences and what they found fun or rewarding.