Activities: Cool Coin Trick
Say, "Abbra Coin-dabra!" and make some magic!
Submitted by
Kayla Chong
Kayla Chong
Conjure up some fun by teaching your kid this magic coin trick. Look out David Blaine, there's a new illusionist in town!
- Illusionist:Your kid
- A coin:Penny, quarter, dime—anything will work.
- A clear glass
- Construction paper:Two sheets of the same color.
- Scissors
- Invisible tape
- A pencil
- Handkerchief or dishcloth:Make sure you can't see through it.
Before he shows off his magical powers, your kid needs to do some prep work. First, have him trace the opening of the glass onto a piece of construction paper and cut it out.
Next get him to tape the paper circle to the bottom of the glass so when the glass is face down on the other piece of construction paper, the taped circle isn't noticeable.
Show time! Get your kid to gather an audience. (You and the dog will do.)
Have your kid place the glass upside down on the construction of paper and put the coin next to the glass on the paper.
He'll then place the handkerchief over the glass ...
... as he does some fancy magical hand waving and "Abbra Coin-dabra"-ing to distract the audience.
Meanwhile, he'll subtly slide the glass over the coin, thereby covering it and making it "disappear."
When he lifts the handkerchief—presto!—the coin will be gone!
Gasps of awe and admiration from the audience are sure to follow as your kid beams and imagines a future living in Vegas performing with Penn and Teller. Hey, at least you'll get plenty of time at the slots in your old age!
- Practice makes perfect. Have your kid practice his trick several times (or several dozen times, if you're trying to get dinner on the table) before he does it in front of an audience. He'll want to have it down pat before he shows anyone.
Submit!
