This is from an article written by one of the staff at West Hampton Schools.
The Magic of Learning
3
Learning can be a magical experience, especially when Dennis Regling has a
hand in it.
Mr. Regling, who puts on “Wonder Shows” about chemistry, physics, optical
illusions, mathematics and electricity, visited the elementary school in January,
to the delight of the third-grade students and their teachers. During his visit, he
performed during two assemblies and led two additional hands-on workshops.
“The kids were excited about learning this way,” said third-grade teacher Kristen
Gafarian. “And they can bring it back home to their parents by putting on a magic
show that they learned today.”
According to Mr. Regling, his teaching technique mixes entertainment with
information so children can laugh, learn and retain. Keeping the students engaged is the key to getting them to enjoy learning, he said.
During the assemblies, Mr. Regling performed a variety of magic tricks, all based on the principles of math and science. Among the third-graders’ favorites were the domino trick, bubbles, magic popcorn, and the card and water glass trick.
Some of the magic Mr. Regling focused on in the classroom included mind-reading tricks, optical illusions, math and card tricks, and a word search. During the hands-on workshop, the children were shown how to master the tricks, which incorporated
the use of pictures, numbered cards, puzzles, a “wheel of wonder” and even boomerangs.