Hidden talents even elementary school kids can do! A collection of performance ideas that will liven up any event
At school events or gatherings with friends, you might feel stuck when someone says, “Show us a party trick!” But don’t worry! There are plenty of simple acts that even elementary schoolers can do, like magic tricks using everyday items, playing the recorder you learned in class, or traditional skills like string figures and spinning tops.
Here, we’ll introduce lots of easy tricks that will wow everyone with just a little practice.
We’ve gathered a wide range—from things you can try with friends to quick solo acts—so find the one that suits you best!
Hidden talents even elementary schoolers can do! A collection of act ideas to liven up events (1–10)
Instant Magic! Telekinetic Chopsticks
Let me show you some simple magic tricks you can do with disposable chopsticks at a banquet hall.
By threading the chopsticks through a loop formed by your fingers, you can imbue them with “telekinetic power” so they appear to move without being touched.
First, cross a pair of Japanese disposable chopsticks and rub near the base with your right hand; the vibration grows stronger toward the tips, making the chopstick in your left hand hop up and down.
Another trick is to place the crossed chopsticks on a table and make them “move” with telekinesis.
In this one, you draw the audience’s gaze to the hand supposedly channeling power, while in reality you secretly blow on the chopsticks to make them move.
Elementary school kids’ manzai comedy! Five in a row
How about a strategy where you rattle off a bunch of not-so-funny, elementary-school-level gags to chill the mood or sober people up? Even things that aren’t funny can have meaning.
The moment you realize not everything has to land, your mindset starts to shift positively.
And if the gags themselves don’t get a laugh, you can tie it all together by saying, “Did that help sober anyone up? Did it make things feel a bit cooler?”—and just like that, your corny jokes take on a purpose.
No rehearsal party trick!
When it comes to party tricks, it often happens that someone says, “Hey, let’s try something right now!” on the spur of the moment.
For times like that, I recommend no-practice-required hidden talents.
There are a few, but to give some examples: a game where you guess what object is being held between someone’s butt cheeks, and qigong tricks.
As you might guess, with qigong, the technique that matters is not the person supposedly doing it, but the person it’s being done to.
If someone “hits you with qigong,” try dramatically flying backward or spinning around.
It’s guaranteed to get laughs.
fashion showNEW!
Elementary school kids usually wear clothes that are easy to move in, right? Even if there are stylish outfits you want to wear, sometimes they’re not suitable for school.
There are probably kids who want to go all-out with fashion at school, too! That’s why we recommend a fashion show! Put on outfits you can’t usually wear and walk the runway.
First, decide on a theme, then use the clothes everyone brings to create your own unique coordination.
Including makeup, pay attention to every detail and express your individuality.
hula danceNEW!
Hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance.
It’s popular outside Hawaii as well, and there are many hula classes in Japan.
Because dancers are encouraged to smile while performing, their expressions naturally brighten, and by dancing with an awareness of nature’s blessings, they can refresh both body and mind.
It’s different from the J-POP and K-POP dances we usually see, but it can spark an interest in nature and strengthen the core, making it a great dance for children, too.
Why not plan it as a performance for a school arts festival?
Minion danceNEW!
The Minions are popular characters from the Despicable Me film series distributed by Universal Studios! This is an upbeat dance song featuring the Minions dancing.
The choreography is simple enough for children, so why not all become Minions and dance together? With a yellow T-shirt and overalls, you can instantly transform into a Minion! Wear matching outfits with everyone, dance, and create wonderful memories.
The largest painting in the worldNEW!
If you’re thinking about creating something together, how about drawing a large picture? You can all work on a single design collaboratively, or decide on a theme, come up with several designs, split up the work, and connect them at the end to finish as one piece.
It may be a time-consuming idea, but the time spent making it will likely become a one-of-a-kind memory.
We also recommend gathering around the finished artwork to take a group photo.
Give it a try if you’d like!