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!
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Hidden talents even elementary school kids can do! A collection of performance ideas that will liven up events (61–70)
tablecloth trick
Tablecloth pulling is a party trick that’s popular during recess and at school performances in elementary schools.
Though simple yet visually dramatic, it actually requires delicate technique.
Pull it off and you’ll be greeted with applause and cheers; if you fail, it easily turns into laughter—so thorough practice is essential.
The key point is not to yank hard, but to pull smoothly downward.
Master this widely recognizable yet approachable tablecloth pull and amaze your classmates.
Practice well and aim for a flawless performance to create a heart-pounding moment.
piano
Being able to play the piano is really cool, isn’t it? It looks especially cool when someone who doesn’t seem like the type to play the piano suddenly does— that contrast makes it even more impressive.
So, how about starting the piano with the goal of showing it off as a hidden talent? I think it’s a good idea to begin by practicing with the aim of being able to play a simple piece.
Even if it’s an easy song, if you can smoothly play one piece with both hands, that should be more than enough to count as a hidden talent.
recorder performance
I think most people only get a chance to play the recorder in music class, but how about taking the recorder to the next level? If you could play not just the songs you practiced in class but also cool arrangements of trending J-pop, you might become really popular! If you search on YouTube, you’ll find sheet music and tutorial videos for all kinds of songs, so use those as references and practice thoroughly.
There are also various techniques, starting with vibrato, and mastering them will make your performances even more polished.
Juggling
Juggling is a technique for controlling a soccer ball with your feet and various parts of your body.
It looks simple but is actually difficult and requires practice; once you get good, you can amaze anyone watching.
There are basic moves and advanced tricks, so it’s appealing that you can practice at your own level.
If you show it off during recess or at a performance, you might become popular in your class.
Plus, it helps you get more exercise, making it a win-win.
It’s a party trick that anyone can enjoy—soccer fans and non-fans alike—so give it a try!
Japanese taiko drumming
Taiko drums are also found in local clubs and the like.
You do need actual taiko drums to do it, but when they perform at elementary schools, the sheer power is surprising, and the movements are so cool that it really gets you excited.
The deep, resonant sound you don’t usually hear—one that you feel in your belly—draws in not only children but adults as well.
sentai-themed manzai (a superhero team-themed comedy duo act)
Kids love comedy.
Children can laugh at the silliest things even more than adults.
On TV and elsewhere, much of what kids talk about is comedy, and the standard in comedy is manzai—no wonder it always gets everyone excited! The theme of this video is the Super Sentai genre, making it easy for elementary schoolers to understand.
In manzai, difficult topics can be hard for kids to grasp, so let’s amp it up with something clear and easy to follow!
karate kata
When people think of karate, they may strongly associate it with kumite—one-on-one sparring—but kata, in which techniques are performed in succession, is also a recognized competitive discipline.
It drew attention when it was included as an official event for the first time at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.
In these demonstrations, practitioners perform a continuous sequence of offensive and defensive moves—strikes, kicks, and blocks—whose sharpness and power are truly awe-inspiring to watch.
Whether you practice karate or not, take this opportunity to train and try performing a powerful kata.
Lupin on saxophone by an elementary schooler!
If you can use instruments in places like the music room, performances like these are the most exciting.
Seeing kids around the same age play so coolly makes it even more moving.
You can’t play an instrument well with just a little practice.
In that sense too, there’s no doubt that a live performance you can’t usually hear will get everyone fired up!
Atarimae Taiso parody song
Atarimae Taiso is a comedy routine by COWCOW, who are active in the comedy scene, and it’s been loved for a long time—not just as a passing fad.
Even the original bit has many versions, and because it’s easy to create parody lyrics, its fun expands and it’s often used as a crowd-pleasing performance.
In addition to this video, there are also parody versions that were done in elementary schools, such as the “Heatstroke Edition” and the “Traffic Safety Edition,” so try looking for them.
Cup performance
Over the past few years, a performance called “cups” has been appearing more and more often in variety shows and the like.
As a rhythm activity, it’s very popular because the sounds and movements are flashy.
Since even elementary school children can do it easily, it’s becoming a staple performance.
It’s a party trick that’s fun both to do and to watch.