Use Your Illusion: Playing with Magic Leads to Learning

Use Your Illusion: Playing with Magic Leads to Learning

(ARA) - Taking an ordinary blank piece of paper, a masked figure inserts the page into a feeder and cranks the lever of a dual-roller device. Four crisp ten-dollar bills appear, in full view of everyone in the room. Did we just witness a blatant act of counterfeiting?

Actually, that "shadowy figure" is an aspiring young magician practicing a new illusion for his family and friends. A renewed interest in magic has led to a new generation of fans taking a "hands-on" approach to magic and practicing their craft with extensive new magic sets that offer much more than a simple pastime.

Transformation: From Feared Practice to Favorite Performances

Magic has been around for thousands of years and shrouded in secrets and lore. From the time of ancient Egyptians, the practice has fallen in and out of favor with cultures all over the world. Viewed in centuries past as 'the devil's handiwork', magic has flourished into a credible performance art and has seen a particular resurgence in recent years.

In an era when "passive" entertainment has little cachet with kids, today's children have taken magic to a new level. Prestidigitation -- also known as sleight of hand -- is a magic technique that almost any child can pull off with a little knowledge and a lot of practice.

No Illusion Here: Magic Gives Kids a Developmental Boost

Ryan Oakes is an accomplished professional magician who has been honing his craft since the early days of his youth. After winning an adult competition at the Society of American Magicians at the age of 11, his career has encompassed performances at the White House, USO shows and multiple appearances on national television; all of which got started with a magic set he received when he was just five years old.

"It was my first introduction to magic. I carried the case with me all over the place," says Oakes, who was recently awarded a Milbourne Christopher Award, magic's equivalent to a rookie-of-the-year honor. "My next door neighbors were my first real audience, but they also helped me learn to perfect my tricks."

Noting its emphasis on creativity and discipline, Oakes acknowledges that magic is an excellent development aid to help kids build self-esteem, and is especially helpful in combating the common fear of public speaking.

Pick a Card: Magic Can Be Learned by Any Child

Learning the secrets of magic can be some trick, especially since magicians are hesitant to reveal the inner workings of their illusions to the public. Fortunately, many children are able to get their start on commercial magic sets designed for novice magicians.

"Magic sets must be matched to a child's age and ability, otherwise they get frustrated and bored very quickly," says John Lindsay, president of Cadaco, the pre-eminent company that designs and produces magic for kids. "Our sets are designed to grow with children as their skills progress."

Partnerships with professional magicians are crucial in developing tricks for children. Cadaco has a long history of working closely with master illusionists to create age-appropriate magic, and have sold millions of sets over the past 35 years.

"Magic is a consistently fascinating category for kids because it allows them to demonstrate a level of skill that is special," says Chris Byrne, The Toy Guy (thetoyguy.com) and contributing editor of Toy Wishes magazine. "It's really true what they say about 'amaze your friends,' and that's very powerful for kids."

Throughout his 25 year career in the toy industry, Byrne has monitored the steady popularity of magic toys. He believes that while magic sets are a great learning tool for kids, mostly they are just plain fun.

"Kids love to demonstrate mastery of certain skills. Giving them an opportunity to do that can be very positive," he says.

The Real Trick: Finding the Right Magic Set for Your Kids

Finding the right magic set for your kids is very important; there are a wide variety of sets available, ranging in skill level, quality and price. The key is to make sure your child has a set that matches his or her abilities.

The magic sets available from Cadaco are specifically tailored to every age and skill level, from preschool-aged sets to the 100-Trick Ultimate Magic Suitcase that comes with a performance table and instructional DVD. Cadaco also has a wide range of mid-priced sets and card tricks available at Wal-Mart, KB Toys and other retailers across the country. For more information visit www.cadaco.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent