Wednesday, February 8, 2012

How to Use Tricks to Teach

 Using optical illusions or so called "magic tricks" can be an extremely effective way to reinforce your Sunday school lesson. The magic will keep the children focused and listening intently. The teacher will be able to drive the point of the lesson home and make it memorable. This article will give you some basic principles to using "magic" in your classroom.

 Pick your trick.
 Select an illusion that can be related to the lesson you are teaching. For instance when something disappears you can make a point that Jesus wipes your sins away and are gone forever; when something appears, talk about how Jesus is coming back and no one knows when. There are several different kind of tricks out there; visit my links below to check out all there is to offer ... think about how you can use a trick to teach a lesson. It will take a little thought on your part but it will pay-off when the students have a lesson stuck in their mind.

 Practice the trick.  The old saying "practice makes perfect" is as true today as when it was first said. Nothing can turn your audience off as quick as a poorly performed trick- one that doesn't work or gives away the trick. The students will find the trick boring or corny. So practice it along with what you will be saying as you perform, you will be glad you did.

 Perform the trick.  Performing your trick takes plenty of practice as stated above. The performance should be well thought out. Your teaching points should be timed just right throughout. Your performance should be exciting and interactive with your audience; talk to them and ask questions if possible. Make sure you are performing far enough away that the secret to your trick is not revealed; some tricks are made for close-up and some for stage distance, be sure you are aware of this when you perform.