Readers Respond to "'Teach By Magic' Doesn't Make Grade"

I responded negatively to a recent press release that touted a new firm. "Teach By Magic" promises to instruct teachers on how to use magic to enhance class lessons. In my story, I found the quoted statistics misleading and the "lessons" to actually be simple magic tricks, many of which are already taught here for free.

What irritated me most was that I found the concept downright insulting to teaching professionals. After all, what do magicians know about teaching and standing in front of a classroom of students?

Many of you responded with reactions. Thanks to all who wrote in.

To use magic to teach the lesson is ridiculous. It doesn't speak well for you as a teacher if you have to entertain your students to teach them. While education can be entertaining, education is not entertainment, and shouldn't be treated as such. Sounds like these "Teach by Magic" guys are just out for a quick buck. The educators I know would never go for it.
James Jay, October 13, 2009

I think we can add stuff like this as another reason why the art of magic is not well respected. This kind of stuff just cheapens what magicians do (not to mention what teachers do). Anyone can teach. But not everyone can inspire with their teaching. Anyone can do magic. But few can do it well enough to inspire and capture the imagination.
Unmasked Magician, October 20, 2009

I'm a teacher and I can't believe that these magicians think they have all of the answers. Let's see them prepare a real lesson and spend an entire day with the kids and see how far their simple magic tricks take them. I'm also an amateur magician and I sometimes do tricks for the kids as a reward. The tricks I see on the teacher site are ones that I teach the kids. I find that some of the kids already know these when I teach them. I wouldn't want to try and fool them with those simple tricks. As Wayne says, leave the teaching to the pros.
Vbennet, October 13, 2009

Coincidentally enough, during the past year, I've been using magic to reinforce lessons in Alaska history. The classroom and library programs have been popular enough that I began developing a book and a series of magical effects to highlight American history instruction. First, I would NEVER try to tell teachers how to teach. What I would offer would be a series of magical effects specifically designed to help them do what they do best, and that is educating our young people. What I would hope to present is more than just changing the patter slightly to make the trick seem educational, but something that incorporates curriculum values within the script. It's not easy, and not all tricks can be adapted. But that's where the fun and creativity come in. If you're interested in what I'm doing check out my website, and in particular, join the Society of American Magicians in time to read the December edition of M-U-M. It's even available on line!
Jeff Brown, October 23, 2009

More Reading:
"Teach By Magic" Doesn't Make Grade
The Best of the Easy Tricks
The Best Magic Books for Beginners