PDF lesson plan
KS2
Years 3-6
Bringing out their inner magician can improve children’s lateral thinking, says Richard Wiseman…
We know that creative activities are hugely beneficial for children at this fundamental stage of their development, but have you ever considered using magic tricks in the classroom?
Our research at the University of Hertfordshire shows that learning to perform magic tricks can boost children’s creativity and lateral thinking as they learn to think outside the box.
It’s also a great tool for developing confidence. By presenting a trick in front of the class, pupils will practise their performance skills and get an exciting opportunity to ‘wow’ their peers.
Lateral thinking learning objectives
- Understand how a simple magic trick works
- Learn how to perform it to the class
- Practise public speaking and performing skills
- Learn about the concept of lateral thinking and how it helps us in different walks of life
Starter activity
Demonstrate a simple magic trick for your class. The ‘colour vision’ trick is a great one to use as it’s easy to get hold of and learn.
This involves showing someone a cube with different coloured sides and asking them to secretly choose a colour before placing the cube in a closed box – you’ll be able to ‘magically’ reveal their choice of colour.
Alternatively, show a YouTube clip of the trick in action – but a live performance is always the most effective!
Ask children to discuss in pairs how they think the trick is done, before sharing their theories with the class.
Richard Wiseman is a professor of psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is also a member of the Inner Magic Circle and has worked as a creative consultant with Derren Brown and on The Twilight Zone and Brain Games. Find him on X at @richardwiseman. Read more about teaching creative thinking.
