There's a good idea that I sometimes use. It gets a laugh, and also you can then move on to your next trick easily since they will be thinking about your joke, and not the topic of asking you for a secret/trick.

Regards,

Evan Williams

I like to use that line but I also like to be able to actually show a trick to those I feel are truly interested in it. This allows me to spread my love for magic and possibly help launch an interest in magic to someone else.

The jumping rubber bands really works well for this as it is very easy, visual, uses common items and has a great story. I tell a story about Houdini and how he escaped from almost everything. The jail cell is represented by the two fingers the rubber band gets placed on. Guards (other rubber bands) are placed in the cell next door (other two fingers). The door was then locked. (Interlock remaining rubber band over fingertips.) Now when you perform the trick. The rubber band appears to have vanished completely.

It is still the exact same effect and still very easy to do. This just adds a bit more interest to it and people can relate better.

I also like to do the torn and restored napkin with the kicker.

Viper:
Torn and restored napkin is also a fun bit of business. But I actually enjoy teaching them a trick they can actually do when they get home and not always a sucker trick.

I find that it teaches the kids the importance of practice and also how much fun magic can be for them. It really has sparked an interest in some kids to learn magic and make it their own hobby.

I don't know what it is called but I teach them that trick where you make a prediction of a classified ad using a column cut from a newspaper.

There's always the great line: "Sure, Johnny, at YOUR birthday party, I'll teach you a trick."

It seems most of the responses are a bit off the mark. Instead of "immediately after a show a child asks to be taught a trick" it has turned into "what trick would you teach a kid".

I will answer the original.

The answer is, "No". Not in that word but no is the answer. The reason(s) are important to list.

#1. You do it this time and it will expected next time as part of your act (even if no says so).

#2. You may have time now and next time you won’t. It is better to plan your entrance as well as exit. Plan as thought you have another gig to get to, right away it will make you appear to be in demand and as a result more desirable.

#3. The biggest reason I don't is because I've seen the poor hanger-on schlep who doesn't know how to make a professional exit... a pitiful bumpkin if ever I saw one. I would rather look professional and leave. Take your accolades on the move.

Bryan

P.S. To teach a kid a trick in a different setting is ok with me.

Bryan:
I agree and disagree with some of your points. I will try and explain the best that I can.

You say to plan it as if you have another gig to get to. That this will make you more desirable. This can be true. However, I have found the exact opposite to be true.

Parents love the fact that you care enough to give them 110% percent. This includes spending time at the end of your show to teach them a trick should they be interested. This allows you to get down on their level, sign autographs and how to possibly get some kids really and honestly interested in magic.

I have done this many times and the parents have mentioned about it and thanked me about it numerous times. In their minds I gave them MORE then what they thought they were getting. I made a lasting impression in their eyes and the eyes of their kids. The kids will go and show this trick to their folks and will say that they learned it at the party. This generates even more business and really broadens your reputation.

If you plan this into your show, and if you allow yourself not to be so rushed, it is never a problem.

Give your audience 100% always and you will certainly reap the rewards.

When dealing with kids, a professional aloof attitude could come across as arrogant and unfriendly. You should always take the time to talk to the kids, even if it's as your packing away, then they'll tell mum they want their friend the magic-man at their party.

If there is a kid who tells me he's got a magic set at home and loves magic I'd be stupid and rude not to take the time to teach him something simple, i.e. jumping bands. His Mum will be very impressed and maybe phone me as a surprise for him.

Opus has put everything in perspective. Thanks, Opus!

Ron Reid

No matter what kind of show you are doing you should be giving away something. Everyone should leave with something from you that serves as promo.
If you give away something that teaches a trick you have accomplished both, teaching and a give away.

See my post on Cheap Give Aways and lets put some ideas together.
Towards the end of the show do the trick then say "everyone will get this to take home today and do it for your friends and family".

This will settle the desire to learn some magic from the magician.

Well said, Flourish Dude. You took the words right out of my mouth. I would give away about 10 goodie bags with cheap tricks including promo.

I always give the kids a coloring flyer and a magician's assistance certificate for helping out. The kids love these and tend to keep them and show them to their parents. Parents like them and usually will place them on the fridge or hang them up. This keeps your name and contact information fresh in their minds each week.

A great teach a trick is to have a knot tied in a rope and hidden in your hand. Tell them you are going to sling the rope and tie a knot in it. Take both ends of the rope and the first and send time I drop the end without the knot. On the 3rd time drop the end with the knot and it looks as if magically a knot appeared in the rope. This is the only trick I teach and adults like it too.

I teach the birthday child the linking paper clips with these neat HUGE clips I found at Staples.

I have always incorporated teaching a trick right in the middle of my children's act. I do the restored napkin with the double restore at the end. The kids get to learn a trick and I still look like a professional because it's really another magic trick in itself. I've never had anyone ask me for more than that.

I really like the giveaway idea. How about writing your name, phone number, and email address on each jumping rubber band using a single camel's hair?

I used to do a very easy card trick, that I learned myself in the beginning of my magic' times.
Let the audience pick a card, feel on the front side and tell the kids which card he had picked.
Easy, but hard to explain.
(In the end of the show I’ll tell them how I did it.)

This thread was linked from a newer question.
I thought that I would add a few thoughts.
I started doing magic at a daycare / childcare center a number of years ago. I tried to think about what the children would enjoy.

I always teach a trick during the show! I encourage them to find out more about magic and to have fun.

There are tons of effects that are in many, many magic books for children. Why not show them one done well.

Over the years, I have found the crayon effect where you put one behind your back and can feel the colour; works well for this.

Sometimes I have gone in for a magic afternoon. We make wands, etc. and learn magic.

Magic is about encouraging not only a sense of wonder, but also discovery.

If it wasn't, then we could all keep secret the powers of the remote control and we could entertain young children by turning TVs off and on. Instead they become masters of this magic.

Go into any dollar store. Why are there $1.00 magic tricks? For kids... So why not help them learn magic, presentation, showmanship, charm, grace and humour from the best... you!

Cheers - El Lamo

Nicely said, El Lamo. Any chance you can to encourage them to have fun and learn the art of magic, that is always a good thing and helps our art to grow.

I like to use the "rubber pencil or crayon" optical illusion or, the magic square knot. (Heck, I teach my first aid students that one in all my classes.)
I agree about the promo gifts at the end, and building them into the show, magic fortune fish hold a business card nicely!