A handkerchief disappear. A coin prediction. A cup-and-ball vanish. The tricks don't need to be real. The presentation is everything. And the preparation: writing the script, rehearsing the reveal, building the props. That's a full rainy afternoon by itself.

What you need

cups
coins
handkerchief or cloth
paper for prediction cards — whatever's in the house

How to do it

1Announce: 'You're performing a magic show after lunch. You need three tricks.' Offer a few starting ideas if they need them.
2They prepare in another room. You are not allowed to watch until showtime.
3Sit down. Watch the whole show. Ask to be fooled by each trick.
4Be genuinely amazed. No matter what.

Variations

Korb-Tür: If they're stuck, offer a 'fooling hat' or cape to wear during the performance — the costume removes the pressure.
Ausstieg: Ask them to explain how the trick works as you applaud — stay in character and never admit to understanding it.

💡 Parent tip

Being 'genuinely fooled' is a parenting skill worth practising. If you explain how the trick works, the performance ends and their confidence deflates. Stay in the audience. Play the long game.

What your child develops

Sequential planning — a magic trick has a setup, an execution, and a reveal; it must be rehearsed in order
Performance and presentation — learning that delivery matters as much as content
Creative problem-solving — figuring out how to make something appear to be magic