Applied Magic

By Michael Kett

The author, Michael Kett, has been a physical therapist, as well as a magician, for more than 20 years. His therapy background includes working with neurologic, pediatric, orthopaedic and sports medicine patients. As a magician, he performs regularly at community festivals, restaurants, and private events. Michael's book, Applied Magic, is a blending of his passion for magic and his physical therapy experience.

Applied Magic is more than a beginner's magic book. Each of the 52 magic effects and activities was specifically chosen for its therapeutic potential. Specific therapeutic considerations and difficulty level are suggested for each effect. The 93 illustrations make learning easy. Also included are chapters that discuss basic magic principles, how to teach magic, and using magic to tell a story. This book is an outstanding resource for any therapist, teacher or parent looking for innovative methods to improve gross and fine motor control, self-confidence, and social interaction skills.

"Applied Magic is a creative addition to any therapist's repertoire.

- Peggy Stell, pediatric physical therapist

I think the idea of using magic in a classroom setting to develop social and presentation skills is fantastic.

- Colleen Lundell, special education teacher

"Applied Magic is a great resource for therapists looking for new and interesting ways to make therapy fun."

- Melinda Buehring, physical therapist/certified Feldenkrais practitioner

The magic effects are explained step by step with great illustrations. I recommend Applied Magic to anyone inquiring about a beginners magic book.

- Tim Hannig, childrens entertainer/magician

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 16, 2001
• ISBN: 9781469109763

Michael Kett

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Book preview

Copyright © 2000 by Michael Kett.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-7-XLIBRIS

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1 Basic Magic Principles

2 How to Teach Magic

3 Icebreakers

4 Magic With A Purpose

5 More Magic With A Purpose

6 Mind Bending Magic

7 Fantastic Fun

8 Magic That Tells A Story

9 Final Thoughts

Bibliography

Acknowledgments

This book is dedicated to my dad, for kindling the spark of magic within me.

Applied Magic is a result of my more than 20 years as a physical therapist and a magician. Many people influenced me along the way. Jeff McBride shared with me his philosophy of blending one’s passions with his magic. This book is a result of that philosophy. Joel Davenport, the other Houkali Wizard and lifelong friend, has always shared my passion for magic. His enthusiastic support and insights have been an inspiration to me. A number of professionals, Melinda Buehring, Peggy Stell, Lee Phelps, Colleen Lundell, Ann Swiderek, Chet Wolkowicz, and Tim Hannig, were kind enough to review this book and provide feedback. My son Bryan provided off-the-cuff ideas and comments that contributed to this book, as well as my ongoing development as a magician. My wife Nancy not only illustrated this book, but without her encouragement and love, this book would still only be a dream.

Introduction

Let me start by explaining what this book is not. It is not strictly a magic book with the end result of fooling your friends and family. Rather, it’s a book that applies magic to various fields, such as therapy, teaching, and public speaking. It is also an excellent beginner magic book for parents wishing to spend time interacting with their children.

In 1981, David Copperfield developed Project Magic, in conjunction with an occupational therapist. This program was designed to teach basic magic tricks to patients of occupational therapists. Over the years, I have come to realize that magic has many additional applications. Magic can also be used as a therapeutic tool to enhance motor and speaking skills in physical and speech therapy. Furthermore, teachers can incorporate magic into storytelling and directed motor activities, as well as encourage its use by students as a less intimidating means of public speaking. Performing magic builds self-confidence, whether it is in a classroom, in a clinic, or in front of an audience.

It is up to the individual therapist, teacher, parent, or activity director to choose the appropriate magic effect or activity from this book. To some degree, all the magic in this book addresses eye-hand coordination, motor planning, sequencing, gross or fine motor control, visual and auditory attention, creative thinking, and social interaction. The book is divided into five major sections: IceBreakers, Magic with A Purpose, Mind Bending Magic, Fantastic Fun, and Magic That Tells A Story.

Each magic effect has a difficulty rating. When appropriate, other variations are suggested. The difficulty level of each magic effect can be altered in a number of ways, such as changing postures or using the opposite hand. By combining two or three magic effects, a number of therapeutic goals can be achieved.

I purposely avoided including any card magic because I prefer to use everyday objects. I also purposely avoided using the term magic trick throughout the book. The word trick can establish a win/lose or puzzle attitude. It is my hope that both the performer and the spectator are viewed as equals.

The effects taught in this book can be found in various versions scattered among numerous beginner magic books. Some of the activities in this book may even be considered stunts or jokes. A number of therapists and magicians have helped review the specific magic effects and therapeutic considerations. Therefore, while this book can be used as a beginner magic book by anyone, what makes it unique is that it gives magic a purpose beyond basic entertainment.

1 Basic Magic Principles

It is not only the secret that makes a trick appear to be magic. It is also the attention to detail, the story behind the effect and some basic principles of magic. There are many magic principles, but I feel these are the most important ones for a new magician.

Eye Power

One of the most basic magic principles is that The audience will look where you look. If you pretend to put a coin in your left hand and you concentrate your gaze on the left hand, the audience will also look there. As an experiment the next time you are shopping, stop and stare at the ceiling. In a few seconds I bet you won’t be the only person staring at the ceiling. Another application is looking into the spectator’s