But, if someone were to explain that due to certain gravitational forces and other variables, it is scientifically possible that a person could fly, then the “magic” becomes no longer magic but cool science.

And some of us believe that scientifically impossible things cannot happen. This is because we have never seen anything like it happen before, and we believe it to be scientifically impossible. A lot of people may even go on to the extent of denying it ever happened, regardless of what they saw with their own eyes. What makes something magic? If your teacher were to walk into class one day and fly circles around the room before proceeding with the lesson, the whole class would no doubt be very surprised. Could a rainbow be magical for someone who does not understand the phenomenon? Science does some seemingly magical things every day, but we do not call it magic.

Delve into the fine line between magic, science, and tricks. Should the group agree that the box is in fact magic, go on to talk about the definition of magic and the characteristics that make an object magical. Unlike a lot of philosophy for children discussions, this discussion may not revolve around disagreement. However, this is interesting, because even the children who do not believe in magic will be able to talk about the possibility of magic. Hopefully, some of them no longer believe in magic and will dismiss all seemingly magical occurrences. Early on in the discussion, ask the kids who believes in magic and who does not. The book may not play an important role in the discussion, but that is good because you want the children to be able to think beyond the book.

When the archduke steals the box, the yarn disappears, only to later reappear for AnnabelleĮxtra Yarn can be used as a portal into the discussion about magic.

In Extra Yarn, magic comes up for two reasons: This all seems normal to them, until someone tells them that these things are impossible, that they’re “magic.” As children grow up, they watch cartoons and movies with flying cars, talking animals, and characters who defy every possible law of nature. The world is magic to a newborn baby, before it even knows what the word means. Read aloud video by AHEV Library Guidelines for Philosophical DiscussionĬhildren often believe in magic.

At night, the archduke steals the box of yarn, but when he opens the box, he finds it empty. One day an archduke offers to buy her box of colorful yarn for ten million dollars, but Annabelle refuses to sell it. She has so much that she moves on to knit sweaters for trees and buildings and cars. Questions for Philosophical Discussion » Summary Extra Yarn invites the reader to ask questions about the nature of magic and the relationship between money to happiness.Īnnabelle finds a box of colorful yarn and knits sweaters for everyone in her town.

Jon klassen extra yarn