Magic of Juggling

Experience the Magic of Juggling!

"Experience the Magic" offers a juggling program with an educational format for elementary, middle or high school, and community groups. This program combines education with hands-on physical activity. It is generally accomplished through small groups (25-100), during a full-day schedule. Concepts during the presentation include:

* Setting Goals
* Staying Focused on Tasks
* Coping with Fears, Setbacks and Failures
* Dealing with Peer "Put-downs"
* Gaining Gratification through Effort
* Establishing Self-Confidence
* Learning through "Steps"
* Development of "Fine" Motor Skills (often neglicted in middle schools)
* Recognizing the Value of Rules and Guidelines

The sessions begin with basic motions and motor-skills, advancing through structured step work. Students and teachers alike will learn to advance and improve their own personal skills during the hands-on excercises. National juggling associations point out that juggling improves student concentration, sequencing and motor skills, coordination and self-esteem, and persistence, as well as being an inexpensive, self-motivating and energy-filled activity.

Like our other programs, this program is often supported by sponsors (i.e., Welch's, Chili's, Hallmark, Big Boy's) and grants which make the program affordable for even the smallest rural schools or tightest budget.

Here is one summary description of our program:
"Well structured, step by step instruction, and addressing confidence. Not to mention, everyone said that it was a lot of fun. Students all week have been coming to me to show me their abilities and demonstrate their new skills. They remembered and recite key lines, like "we don't give up, we pick up"...They are learning to see obstacles as challenges, thus increasing their problem-solving skills. Students learn both academic and social skills much more readily when it is embedded into hands-on demonstration and involvement. The juggling is very multi-sensory and addresses numerous skill areas while teaching a healthy form of recreation. Students of all abilities learn hand/eye coordination and improve gross and fine motor skills. They also learn listening skills as well, as what to do when they make a mistake." Randall Button, MSW -- Middle School Counselor & SAP Coordinator

For more information and comments, feel free to review some of our recommendations below. Then call (616) 646-3227 for additional questions, or to schedule your program. Or, email us today.

(Photo: Paul Garrod,
Paw Paw Press)
Lawton Middle School

On our '1999-2000' School Tour

Letters of Recommendation

Mike McCrowsin, Princ; Lawton Middle School
Mr Jim,
What a great day! STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ALIKE ENJOYED THE HANDS-ON activities. The IMPORTANT MESSAGES you associated with the juggling were perfect for my students. We look forward to having you back again!

Chris Warren, Prin; S.E. Elementary
Dear "Mr Jim,"
This is a letter of recommendation for your OUTSTANDING SELF-ESTEEM assemblies. Our kids were captivated! That EVENING we had a packed gymnasium...the crowd was mesmerized by the magic and juggling. You have such a positive attitude about life that spills over to us in the audience. There is something for everyone in your repertoire. I will recommend your program with highest regards!

Mike Bosma, Prin; Three Rivers Park Elementary
Dear "Mr Jim,"
Thank you for another wonderful performance. One Staff stated, 'that assembly is one of the best things we do for our kids. Mr. Jim is very professional, yet really gets his message across to the children. We need more of these kind of assemblies.' You are welcome to be a part of our assembly program any time!

Nib Reistew, Phys Ed; St. Monica (Kalamazoo)
Dear "Mr Jim,"
Thank you for your entertaining, educational, and most importantly, your messages about trying your best, helping your fellow classmates, and following rules that will lead you to success. I highly recommend your juggling program!

Heidi Elonich, School Social Worker; Hawthorne Elem (Elkhart,IN)
Dear "Mr Jim,"
Thank you for your performance! It was awesome to see each and every child get the opportunity to try and juggle. By allowing them to have hands-on experience with a new talent the messages you attempted to convey were received loud and clear. They understood the value of following guidelines and rules and setting goals and accomplishing them small steps at a time. They were able to deal with the "set backs"...because the floor was their "friend." I believe most children left the small group programs with a renewed sense of self-confidence to try and accomplish something new.

Jo Stebbins, Prin; Star Elementary (Barry County)
Dear "Mr Jim,"
The students, parents, and staff want to thank you for the wonderful program and show! It was WELL ORGANIZED, LIVELY, and EDUCATIONAL...but FUN! It was amazing to see the children respond so positively to the juggling--kindergarteners to fifth graders! And the EVENING PERFORMANCE was an ADDED BONUS as parents to often are unable to attend assemblies during the day. Thank you!

Bernie Hynes, Fuller St. Elementary (Nashville)
Mr. Jim,
Thank you for the wonderful juggling and magic program! The CHILDREN WERE TOTALLY INVOLVED in the juggling sessions during the day! There was involvement from our youngest child...to the oldest. What an assembly to remember! Many returned in the evening with their parents for an outstanding [and standing room only!] magic show which again involved the audience. It was A GREAT PARENTS-CHILD NIGHT.

JD Gerber; Andrews Elementary Three Rivers
Dear "Mr Jim,"
The students enjoyed the show and we valued the instruction emphasizing the importance of setting goals, following rules, and step-by-step instruction, which often results in self-confidence and success through perseverence. Thanks again!

Randy Button, Counselor; Marcellus Middle School
Dear "Mr Jim,"
I RECOMMEND "Mr. Jim's" juggling program...it is exciting and fun! Every student can participate and practice no matter what level they are at. Both students and teachers were enthusiastic...FEEDBACK WAS UNANIMOUSLY POSITIVE. And a performer who is willing to assist schools by seeking business sponsorships is virtually unheard of--thank you!

Cindy Robinette, P.E. Teacher, Central Elementary (Hastings)
Dear "Mr Jim,"
Thanks for coming to our school. The KIDS REALLY ENJOYED having you here. You did a GREAT JOB with them! We'll be working with our scarves this year, now that I have a basis for beginning. Thanks again.

Nancy Pinkster, Director; St.Thomas Youth Group (Kalamazoo)
Mr Merrills,
Thank you for presenting an evening of juggling to our Jr. High Youth Group. We had a great time and SOME OF US ACTUALLY LEARNED TO JUGGLE more than one ball! You did a wonderful job at TYING LIFE SKILLS into the art of juggling. I would RECOMMEND YOU TO ANYONE looking for a speaker in the area of making good choices and wanting that presented in a fun way. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us.

Lawton Middle Sch

Jane Moe, Library Director, Constantine Library
Your program was great! You had the children in the palm of your hand and they talked about you for days! They obviously had a great time. It was fantastic to see the kids participate and be successful. Thanks!

Colleen Murray, Children's Librarian, Vicksburg Library
We enjoyed your Juggling Camp! Children as well as adults had a great time learning the basics of juggling. Since your program, I believe there has been an increased interest in our books on juggling. I know I am going to keep on practicing! Programs such as yours show the children that a library can be a fun and exciting place. We look forward to having you visit us again.

Kara McKenzie, Children's Librarian, Climax Library
Thank you for teaching our children to juggle. We were thrilled that so many could participate, and were very impressed with your knowledge and abilities in working with children. Our children left with new interests and a new self-confidence that comes along with mastering mastering these skills. They were fascinated with every part of the program and we considered it a real bonus for our community. Children are special and you have a gift of making them realize this.

(Parents and teachers love it too!)
S.Bend, Indiana Mentors Program

(Great exercise for everyone!)

(FOCUS dude!!!)

AND, A FEW MORE VEEERRRRY HAPPY CUSTOMERS...

Sharon Kalee, Lee Elementary (Middleville)

Mary Ann Hayden, KIDS HOPE (Holland)

Linda Fox - Counselor, Child Guidance Clinic (Kalamazoo)

(Marcellus Middle School Pics)

Just tooooo much fun!

"Jr. Jugglers"...on the path of success.

If this is an "experience" your students would enjoy, please call so we can answer any questions you have, and schedule a date for your school.

Our phone number is, (616) 646-3227.

Or, email us at: magic@mr-jim.com