Richard John, a talented magician and proud member of the Magic Circle, is now bringing his expert magic teachings to schools across East Devon. Perfect for children ages 8 and up, these 45-minute after-school classes offer a unique opportunity for young learners to develop skills in magic they never thought possible. Richard's classes are designed to nurture and fast-track the magical abilities of every student, whether they're complete beginners or have some experience. With his guidance, students will not only master a range of tricks but also gain a deeper understanding of the art of illusion, all while having fun in a supportive and engaging environment.

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Learning magic is a fantastic pastime for kids that offers a range of benefits far beyond just learning a cool trick or impressing friends. Here are a few reasons why magic is such a great hobby for young learners:

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• Boosts Confidence: Magic tricks often involve performing in front of others, whether it's a small audience of friends or family, or even in front of a larger group. Successfully performing a trick builds self-assurance and helps children become more comfortable with public speaking. This boost in confidence carries over into other areas of life, such as school presentations or social situations.

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• Enhances Social Interaction Skills: Magic is a social activity. Kids who learn magic are likely to perform for others, which provides great opportunities for interaction. Whether they're showcasing a new trick to their classmates or discussing the techniques behind their illusions, children naturally develop communication skills, learn to read social cues, and practice conversation and storytelling.

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• Develops Public Speaking Abilities: Performing magic can improve a child's public speaking and storytelling skills. Most magic routines require a narrative or an engaging presentation, helping children improve their delivery, pacing, and use of body language. Through practice, they learn to captivate their audience, making them more articulate and expressive speakers.

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• Improves Dexterity and Fine Motor Skills: Many magic tricks require a high level of manual dexterity. Sleight of hand, card manipulations, and other intricate movements develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Mastering these tricks requires patience and precision, teaching children the value of focus and practice.

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• Encourages Creativity and Problem-Solving: Magic is an art form that stimulates the imagination. When children learn magic, they are encouraged to think creatively—coming up with new tricks, incorporating storytelling, and devising unique ways to surprise and engage their audience. The process of figuring out how to perform a trick also promotes critical thinking and problem-solving, as kids must figure out how to achieve an effect while keeping the secret.

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• Fosters Patience and Perseverance: Learning magic is not something that happens overnight. It takes time, practice, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. This can teach children valuable lessons about persistence and the rewards of hard work. Even when a trick doesn't go as planned, they learn resilience and the importance of trying again.

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• Offers a Sense of Achievement: As children master new magic tricks, they experience a sense of accomplishment. Performing for an audience and receiving positive feedback helps kids feel proud of their skills, which in turn motivates them to continue learning and improving.

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In short, magic offers kids a fun and engaging way to grow both personally and socially, while enhancing skills that will serve them throughout their lives.