Circus & Magic Day

Overview

A dynamic, inclusive 600-minute holiday program for Prep to Year 6 students (aged approx. 5–12) focusing on creativity, coordination, performance, and social interaction through circus and magic-themed activities. This program carefully scaffolds skill development and encourages collaboration, aligned with the Australian Curriculum (v9), especially in The Arts and Health and Physical Education (HPE). It leaves room for differentiation to suit various ages and abilities within the mixed-year group.

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Curriculum Links

Australian Curriculum (v9)

• The Arts: Drama and Dance
  • AC9AMUFC01: Create arts works that communicate ideas and express feelings and imaginative worlds (Foundation Prep - Year 6)
  • Develop confidence and skills in performance, dramatic play, and expression through role and character (AC9AMUFC01_E7)
• Health and Physical Education: Movement and Physical Activity
  • Develop fundamental movement skills (juggling, coordination, balance) and physical confidence
  • Work collaboratively in groups to participate in games and performance (social interaction)
  • Recognise and apply safety practices in physical activities
• Personal and Social Capability
  • Collaboration, communication, empathy, and resilience through group games and performance
• General Capabilities
  • Creativity, Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding, Intercultural Understanding

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the day, students will:

1. Demonstrate improved hand-eye coordination and motor skills through juggling and plate spinning exercises.
2. Use creativity to learn and perform simple magic tricks, clown antics, and circus skills.
3. Collaborate effectively in team games, workshops, and performance preparation.
4. Express ideas and feelings confidently through performance and role-play.
5. Show awareness of safety practices in physical and performative activities.
6. Adapt skills and roles according to individual ability and comfort.
7. Develop perseverance and confidence through scaffolded skill challenges.

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Materials Required

• Juggling balls or beanbags (enough for 25 students)
• Simple magic props (scarves, cups, coins, magic wands)
• Clown costumes/accessories (hats, noses, wigs)
• Plate spinning sets (plastic plates and sticks)
• Balance beams or taped lines for tightrope trail
• Music player with upbeat circus-themed music
• Space for performance (hall or open classroom)
• Soft mats for safe falls/spills
• Cones or markers for games and trails
• Safety first aid kit
• Craft supplies for magic wand workshop (sticks, ribbons, glitter, tape)
• Mirrors or reflective surfaces for clown antics practice

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Program Schedule (8:00am – 6:00pm)

Time	Activity	Description & Differentiation	Curriculum References
8:00 – 8:30am	Arrival & Free Play	Students settle in with circus-themed puzzles and coloring sheets related to magic and circus arts.	Social interaction; creativity warm-up
8:30 – 9:15am	Warm-Up & Icebreaker	Group warm-up stretching and movement to circus tunes. Activity: “Follow the Clown” mimicry game to promote focus and coordination.	The Arts - Drama movement; HPE coordination; Personal & Social Capability: collaboration
9:15 – 9:30am	Introduction & Safety Briefing	Overview of the day’s activities, safety rules, and expectations.	HPE safety protocols; Personal & Social Awareness
9:30 – 11:00am	Incursion: Circus & Magic Specialist Workshop	Specialist-led session introducing key circus and magic skills with demonstrations and interactive participation.	The Arts - Drama & Dance; HPE - Movement skills; Personal & Social Capability
11:00 – 11:15am	Snack/Rest Break	Encourage hydration & social chatting about skills so far.	Social interaction and wellbeing
11:15 – 12:15pm	Magic Wand Workshop	Hands-on craft and skill activity to create and use magic wands. Prep–2: Decorate pre-made wands, simple waving motions with storytelling. Grades 3–4: Construct wands with ribbons, practice basic wand flourishes and simple illusions. Grades 5–6: Design custom wands, learn advanced wand flourishes and integrate into short magic routines.	Creativity, fine motor skills, performance skills
12:15 – 1:15pm	Plate Spinning Challenge	Develop balance and coordination through plate spinning activities. Prep–2: Practice balancing plates on sticks with assistance, simple holding and spinning. Grades 3–4: Learn to spin plates independently, practice keeping multiple plates spinning. Grades 5–6: Combine plate spinning with movement (walking while spinning), challenge with timed tasks.	Coordination, concentration, physical confidence
1:15 – 2:00pm	Lunch Break	Time for rest, eating, and informal social interaction.	Wellbeing and social skills
2:00 – 3:00pm	Juggle Jam	Juggling skill development and practice. Prep–2: Tossing and catching scarves or beanbags with partner support. Grades 3–4: Two-ball juggling practice, group passing games. Grades 5–6: Three-ball juggling introduction, freestyle juggling challenges.	HPE fundamental movement skills; creativity; perseverance
3:00 – 3:45pm	Mini Magician Tricks	Learn and perform simple magic tricks tailored to age groups. Prep–2: Basic tricks like vanishing scarf or coin under cup with teacher demonstration. Grades 3–4: Practice sleight of hand and storytelling with tricks. Grades 5–6: Combine multiple tricks into a short magic act, focus on presentation skills.	The Arts - Drama & Performance; communication; confidence
3:45 – 4:00pm	Afternoon Break	Hydration and light snack.	Wellbeing
4:00 – 5:00pm	Clown Academy	Explore clowning techniques and character creation. Prep–2: Simple funny walks, facial expressions, and props play. Grades 3–4: Develop clown characters, practice gestures and short skits. Grades 5–6: Create and perform improvised clown scenes with peer feedback.	Drama, creativity, social interaction
5:00 – 5:45pm	Tightrope Trail	Balance and focus challenge on a taped line or low beam. Prep–2: Walk forward and backward with support, balancing games. Grades 3–4: Walk with props (e.g., plate spinning), timed challenges. Grades 5–6: Combine walking with juggling or clown antics, peer coaching.	Balance, coordination, teamwork
5:45 – 6:00pm	Closing Reflection & Safety Review	Group discussion on safety, what was learned, and how students supported each other.	Personal & Social Capability; HPE safety awareness

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Activity Details & Differentiation

Magic Wand Workshop

• Prep–2: Use pre-made sticks, decorate with ribbons, glitter, and stickers. Practice waving wands with simple storytelling prompts.
• Grades 3–4: Construct wands from craft materials, add ribbons and decorations. Learn basic wand flourishes and simple illusions (e.g., “wand disappears”).
• Grades 5–6: Design and build custom wands, practice advanced flourishes and integrate into short magic routines with verbal presentation.
  Materials: Craft sticks, ribbons, glitter, tape, stickers, glue.
  Safety: Non-toxic craft supplies; supervise use of scissors and glue.

Plate Spinning Challenge

• Prep–2: Balance plastic plates on sticks with teacher support, practice holding and gentle spinning.
• Grades 3–4: Spin plates independently, practice keeping one or two plates spinning, simple relay games.
• Grades 5–6: Spin plates while walking a line, timed challenges, and passing plates between partners.
  Materials: Plastic plates, spinning sticks, cones or tape for lines.
  Safety: Use lightweight plastic plates; clear space to avoid collisions.

Juggle Jam

• Prep–2: Toss and catch scarves or beanbags with partner support, focus on hand-eye coordination.
• Grades 3–4: Practice two-ball juggling, group passing games to build timing and cooperation.
• Grades 5–6: Introduce three-ball juggling, freestyle challenges, and group juggling sequences.
  Materials: Beanbags, scarves, juggling balls.
  Safety: Soft juggling props; mats for falls; clear space.

Mini Magician Tricks

• Prep–2: Learn simple tricks such as vanishing scarf or coin under cup with teacher demonstration and peer practice.
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