I’ve been working in Overland Park with the several departments of Johnson County Community College. Â After the performance in Emporia, Keith and Cindy flew back to Virginia while Alan, Ethan, and I drove up to Overland Park. Â We had a relaxing Sunday afternoon and enjoyed some fine Kansas City BBQ at one of the local establishments, Mama Jo’s BBQ.
On Monday, we were up early so I could make an appearance on the local FOX 4 Morning Show. Â These guys have always been great to me with an open invitation to make a return visit. Â I had the chance to talk about all the events of this week and do a last minute plug for the Saturday night performance at the Carlsen Center.
Our scheduled really started to pick up on Tuesday. Â Through a collaboration with Health Sciences and Arts Education, I was scheduled to conduct a 7 hour workshop for physical and occupational therapists. Â We had a great group of reluctant therapists attend. Â I say reluctant because everyone’s initial reaction to the use of magic in therapy is “doubt and hesitancy.” Â After a brief introduction to the therapeutic validity of Magic Therapy, everyone was excited to learn a few tricks. Â And as the afternoon progressed, these therapists walked away challenged and enthusiastic about using a new modality in the treatment plan.
Wednesday was another day of packed activities. Â We started in the morning working with a reading class. Â The goal was to improve reading comprehension and oral expression. Â Given all the fun we had with these guys, I’d say the class was a success!
Next we were off to Children’s Mercy Hospital to work in several department there including oncology and the renal ward.
After a memorable experience working with these brave children, we moved on to another group of very brave kids. Â This time, they weren’t in a hospital. Â These children and their mothers were in a safe house for the abused and neglected. Â Working with these kids literally brought tears to our eyes as we watched them play, learn, and laugh.
Today (Thursday) was the day I conducted another 7 hour workshop, this time for teachers, therapists, nurses, and psychologists. Â This workshop was centered more on the concepts of the Hocus Focus Project – exploring how magic impacts the three main educational domains: Â Cognitive, Affective, and Psychomotor.
It’s been a great week and it’s not over yet!