1st Edition
Teach Like a Magician 8 Effective Teaching Tricks to Inspire and Engage Your Students
Unlock the magic of teaching! With this fun and thorough guide, learn how to inspire and captivate your students with the help of eight powerful, research-backed strategies. This book empowers educators to create dynamic, supportive, and high-impact learning environments, especially in challenging settings.
Through the MAGICIAN framework and supporting classroom stories and reflection questions, you'll discover how to:
- Motivate students and ignite their intrinsic drive;
- Foster Active Learning with hands-on, interactive methods;
- Set clear, Goal-Oriented Instruction that focuses on achievable objectives;
- Cultivate Imaginative Teaching to inspire creativity and critical thinking;
- Nurture Creativity and Curiosity, sparking a lifelong love of learning;
- Immerse yourself in your students’ world to create deep, meaningful connections;
- Use Affirmation to provide positive reinforcement that builds confidence;
- Foster Natural Rapport to develop authentic, trusting relationships.
Drawing on the captivating qualities of magicians, Teach Like a Magician encourages early childhood, elementary, and special education teachers to use charisma, surprise, and creativity to engage students. By integrating elements of storytelling, illusion, and excitement into your lessons, you’ll keep students motivated and actively involved, making learning unforgettable.
1. M is for Motivation 2. A is for Active Learning 3. G is for Goal-Directed Instruction 4. I is for Imaginative Teaching 5. C is for Creativity and Curiosity 6. I is for Immersion 7. A is for Affirmation 8. N is for Natural Rapport 9. Hocus Focus and Hocus Focus Analytics 10. The Final Bow
Biography
Kevin Spencer is an award-winning performing artist and renowned academic. His work focuses on using magic to help individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual challenges, emotional disturbances, and trauma histories. Dr. Spencer holds a Ph.D. in Special Education, a Master’s in Arts and Academic Interdisciplinary Education, and certifications in Autism Studies and Trauma Support. He currently serves as faculty at prestigious institutions, including Harvard Medical Teaching Hospital’s Pediatric Sedation Conference and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
"Teach Like A Magician is a brilliant and refreshing guide that transforms the classroom into a place of wonder and discovery. Dr. Kevin Spencer masterfully blends practical teaching strategies with the art of engagement, showing educators how to captivate students’ curiosity while deepening their learning. His eight ‘teaching tricks’ are not gimmicks—they’re powerful tools grounded in research and experience that empower teachers to inspire, connect, and spark a love for learning. This book is a must-read for any educator who wants to bring a little magic to their teaching and see their students thrive."
Dr. Jim Chapple, Retired Professor of Special Education, Ashland University, OH, Past President, International Association of Special Education
"As a special educator and magician, this book clearly lays out a framework that provides educators with research-backed strategies they can implement to engage their students, and does so through an easy-to-remember acronym, M.A.G.I.C.I.A.N. In the age of AI and constant distractions, this book serves as the magic wand that enables us to captivate our students and make learning meaningful and impactful."
Michael Muldoon, Classroom Teacher/Leader
"Dr. Spencer’s guide is a priceless resource for anyone working in education. The clear, actionable recommendations and practical tactics presented in these pages will enable teachers to create more welcoming and encouraging learning environments for every student. Take advantage of this life-changing opportunity with considerably more depth and power. This collection of insights is an important addition to the profession and will continue to have an impact on readers long beyond the last 'bow.' Everything about it is 'magical.'"
Dr. Iris S. Drower, Clinical Professor, Arizona State University
"The essence of magic is the purposeful manipulation of objects and attention, but Kevin Spencer is no manipulator. In Teach Like a Magician, he begins with the soul-deep conviction that everyone is worthy of respect. The perspectives and techniques he presents are compassionate, practical, ethical, and inspiring. He selects and integrates educational theories, performance techniques, and wonder-filled experiences in ten brief chapters that lead to possibility, discovery, and transformation."
Jim O'Connell, Associate Professor, Arts Management Coordinator, University of Wisconsin
"Teach Like a Magician is a true “must-read” for both new and veteran educators. Dr. Spencer offers valuable insights alongside dozens of practical, classroom-ready techniques that deepen students’ critical thinking, spark their creativity, and promote meaningful, active engagement. Together, these strategies transform the classroom from routine and predictable into a dynamic, joyful learning community."
Dr. Alice Farling, Executive DirectorDivision of International Special Education and Services
