Simplest coin trick

Shy children can often find their voice by perfecting and performing magic tricks for family and friends. Start with this simplest of all coin tricks.

What you need:

• A long sleeved shirt
• A 10 cent coin

Number of players:

Activity:

You need to wear a long sleeved shirt to do this magic trick.

Preparation:

Hold one arm vertically, bent at the elbow, palm facing outward, hand up level with your face (as if you are waving 'hello').  Carefully place the coin into your sleeve, so that it sits just at your elbow. The long sleeved shirt should hold it in place. Practise dropping your hand down so that the coin slides out of your sleeve and you catch it.

The trick:

Tell your audience that you will now make a coin magically appear in your palm. First show them your empty palm, held up carefully so that your coin stays in place in your sleeve. Point to both empty hands. Show the audience you have absolutely nothing hidden in either of your hands.

Use your free hand (the one that won't be catching the coin) to do some magic 'abracadabra' flourishes to distract everyone. As you say, 'abracadabra' drop your palm down, facing backwards and the coin should slip out of your sleeve and into your palm.

Quickly bring your palm back up and show everyone how a coin has magically appeared into your hand.

Tips and hints:

• Practice makes perfect. Make sure you practise catching the coin before you do it in front of an audience!