5 Reasons Why
Principals, Educators, and Parents
Recommend "Fish the Magish"
In Their Words...
Thank you for the outstanding day-long experience our children had with your show. Your interaction with the students made the program values more memorable. It is a positive and fun way for children to learn more about character traits. Sue King, Principal, Timber Drive Elementary, Garner, NC
It was the best assembly we have ever had . Amy Emanuel, Teacher Grade 3, A.R. Lewis Elementary, Pickens, SC
“ Good laughs are a great medicine and you gave us all a wonderful dose! It was a day we’ll remember for a long time…You’re the best! Karen Oliver, Easley Elementary PTA- Durham NC
“ Great Job! The students and I loved it! We need more people sending this message!” Angie Adams- K-3, Lilesville Elementary, Lilesville, NC
“ Students and teachers are still singing your praises and I hope to book you again next year! I called the Spartanburg County Library and thanked them for recommending you to us. ” Judith Mamroth- Media Specialist- Clifdale Elementary, Spartanburg, SC
You have lots of choices when you invite educational presenters to your school or organization. How do you know if any particular person or program is a fit for you?
As a full time presenter, I want to say "thank you" for considering my programs. If you are open to these ideas for your group, I'm here to help.
My mission is to deliver to you, not only an entertaining program, but one that is educational, relevant, and appropriate. This is how I support my family, so I don't take it lightly.
But don't take my word for it...read on to see what your colleagues say about "Fish the Magish".
Michael Fisher, a.k.a. "Fish the Magish"- Educational School Show Entertainer- June, 2011
"We enjoyed your illusions so much and your jokes too! Thanks, Fish the Magish, so much for teaching our students lessons about bullying that are simple enough for them to understand and personalized enough for them to remember. You're terrific"! Darlene Stehens, Batesburg-Leesville Elementary, Batesburg-Leesville, SC
BUILDING DREAMS, THE ABC'S OF CHARACTER is a dynamic assembly program that stresses the importance of character in our lives.
The “Building Dreams” program is an audience participation magic show that celebrates our individuality.
Everyone participates and some will even get to be “helpers” in the show.
During the program direct and indirect examples will be given about character. After the program, you might wish to discuss some of these concepts with the students. The ABC’s stands for Attitudes, Being Kind and Fair, and Caring about yourself and others. Although there are many aspects of character, these will be the focus for the 45 minute program:
Your students and teachers will LOVE this program. Take a look and read what others are saying about "Fish the Magish".
In a nutshell, here is what the “Fish the Magish” program offers. It raises awareness in your school about bullying:
These 5 Key Strategy Components of the Fish the Magish program will HELP RAISE AWARENESS in your school, in the classrooms, in the homes, and in the community at large.
• Assembly program
• Classroom visits
• Press Release to Newspaper
• FREE magic trick for students
• Family Night Magic Show
How? Let me explain.
Before the program begins
A press release will be sent to the local newspaper and let them know that you have invited a professional speaker and children’s entertainer in to your school to focus on bullying.
Your community will know that your students are learning about bullying in a fun and exciting way. Many opportunities will be available during the program to get “action shots” of your students having fun and learning at the same time.
I’ll also give the newspaper folks my contact information so they can interview me either before or immediately after the program. This feature alone is worth the price of the program.
Why? You want awareness? A magic show by its very nature attracts attention. You get attention drawn to your school and your dedicated focus to stop bullying dead in its tracks.
The Day of the Program
On the day of the program, you will hardly know that I’m around. I’ll arrive early to check in at your office and set up in your gym, multipurpose room, or cafeteria for the program. You don’t have to provide anything… except grinning kids. I’ll bring everything including: Props, costumes, magic, sound system, backdrop . . . everything.
Music will be playing as the students arrive for the assembly. Having heard their excitement from backstage thousands of times, I can tell you that they are anticipating this program like no other.
The program is funny, colorful, dynamic, and full of audience participation, storytelling, comedy, puppets, magic, and fun. You and your teachers have as much fun as the students.
Don’t just take my word for it. Take a look at the testimonials from principals, teachers, and parents.
Immediately after the program
Here is where the rubber meets the road. Students open up to “Fish the Magish” in smaller groups. My “backstage passes” or “classroom visits” give students an opportunity meet “Fish the Magish” up close and personal and they get to ask questions and make comments about the program.
Of course, they always ask about magic. They’ll ask, “Is magic real?” “How can I learn a trick?” “Will you teach us a trick?”
But the purpose of the “backstage passes” or classroom visits is not to explain magic to them, but rather to focus on their personal strategies when confronted by a bully. During this time, something very important happens:
• I’ll guide their discussion to the subject of “bullying” and talk about it on their level. This is a great time to focus on personal strategies and recap the strategies taught during the assembly that might help them in dealing with bullies.
• With the help of the teachers, we’ll encourage them to write a paper or draw a picture about their favorite part of the program. My files at my office are packed with great “testimonials from kids”. I’m amazed at their ability to capture the details of my program in writing and pictures.
By the way, your newspaper folks will love to get responses from students about the program. Their letters and personal drawings really “play big” in the news. Here is another opportunity for you to get exposure for your school in the paper.
Follow Up Opportunities
Where this leads is up to you and your staff. Many schools have a family night program that introduces the parents to the subject of bullying. This is an extension of the assembly program for the students, but it is designed for families. This program gets the parents to the school on the same evening as the daytime program. This family night magic show is usually coordinated with the PTA or your Anti-Bully Committee.
Now comes the payoff --- the crucial moment when your students show what they learned and how they can put it to use. One strong component of this program is teaching the students to recognize a bully… immediately. Parents like it when they know their child understands how to recognize a bully, and more importantly, they feel that their child is safer with this knowledge.
Students understand that, in school, they will be faced with tests. When an elementary student hears the word “test”, they normally think of it in the written form. If you ask a first or second grader to describe a test, they will say “it’s a piece of paper with questions on it.” If you ask them, “do you like test?” Many will say, no! Hey, I didn’t like test either (especially when I wasn’t prepared).
Here is the big crippler
The bully is a “test” to the victim. And most victims are just unprepared. They simply do what comes natural. For some, it’s an aggressive reaction (which just feeds the bully with more ammunition) Most act more passively (the bully likes this non-response attitude). Not to mention that the “crowd” is usually feeding the bully and catering to them.
Since the bully is a “test”. Then, the victim’s goal is to pass the test. That’s it.
Fish the Magish helps them:
"What made the program so great was that all ages enjoyed it. It was funny, entertaining, educational and appropriate for all ages. Many times our programs are geared for a particular age level but this was great for the whole school." Joshua Guthrie, Gym Teacher, A.R. Lewis Elementary, Pickens, SC
Getting students to read and enjoy it! That is the problem.
When asking students, do you like to read? What is their response? Many students respond with a resounding...…NO!
Even those that respond favorably seldom read. Let's face it...children who don't take reading seriously are at a big disadvantage in today's world.
Kids Must Develop Sound Reading Habits
Read...Create Your Dreams takes a fun look at this serious subject by focusing on the five main reasons students give for not enjoying reading.
Then, it focuses on ways to overcome these excuses. The program motivates children to read everyday . It is filled with lively audience participation, hilarious comedy illusions, and dynamic life changing messages...
Students learn that reading
They will also learn that their life will be affected positively, or negatively, by their choice of friends and by their choice to read!
They must develop good reading habits. They must read everyday. Then, they can dream and their dreams can come true!
Reading is Magical!
“" You were terrific…...instilling good values even while the kids were rolling with laughter!” " Rosalie Miller- Shepard Pruden Library, Edenton, NC
“ The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher
demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” William Arthur Ward, College Administrator
This class introduces fun and easy magic tricks that that can be used in the classroom.
You won’t become a professional magician, but you will learn some fun ways to add
excitement and fun in your classroom.
Why use magic to teach?
• It is the ultimate visual aid
Any public speaker learns that it is very advantageous to use visual aids in their
presentation. Magic provides a wonderful way to visually stimulate the students.
• It appeals to people of all ages
Everyone likes to have their senses challenged. They like to see something a little
unusual and something that puzzles them.
• It can be tied into any topic
Think of magic as a tool to be used creatively in your classroom. Regardless of
the subject matter, “magic” can be a fun way to creatively teach.
Here are a few advantages of using “magic” in the classroom.
_ It gains the student’s attention
_ It develops observational skills
_ It helps maintain the student’s focus
_ It adds excitement to dull subjects and makes learning fun
The “Fish the Magish” Magic Class for Teachers can be from 30 minutes – 90
minutes. It’s a great way to give the teachers a little break and introduce them to some
fun and exciting ideas that can be used in their classrooms.
Designed for ages 3 and up, these audience participation magic shows bring hilarious fun to your centers. Teachers and kids love "Fish the Magish". Here are just some of the themes that can be used year round.
• Being Thankful- “Thanksgiving Magic” (November)
• Sharing with others, celebrating family- “Holiday Magic” (December)
• Character Education- “ABC’s of Character” (Year round application)
• Reading- “READ…Magic for a Lifetime” (Year round application)
• Friendship- “The Magical Friendship Show” (Great for “Kicking off the new year)
• Self-Esteem- “Magic in YOU!” (Year round application)
• Dental Hygiene- “Teeth are Neat” (Great in February for Dental Hygiene Month)
• Patriotism- “I Love America” (summer program to celebrate July 4)
• Health and Nutrition- “Vegi-Magic” (Year round application)
• Environment Awareness- “Enviro-Magic” (April - Earth Day)
Birthday Party?
If you live in the Raleigh, Greensboro, or Charlotte area, please give me a call.
I am always happy to accomodate your child's birthday when possible.
“" It’s hard to say who had the most fun at your Magical friendship show. Children and teachers- All- would love to have you again next year!" Becky Dewitt, Fort Hill Presbyterian Preschool, Clemson, SC
"We LOVED Fish the Magish! Thank you! It was appropriate for all ages. That was the most enjoyable "assembly" I've ever attended during my seven years here! If you're brave, I think the 6th and 7th graders at BMS would really enjoy your humor and talents! Thanks again for coming to see us!" Nancy Lawing, Brevard Elementary, Brevard, NC
We enjoyed your illusions so much and your jokes too! Thanks so much for teaching our students lessons about bullying that are simple enough for them to understand and personalized enough for them to remember. You're terrific! Darlene Stehens, Batesburg-Leesville Elementary, Batesburg-Leesville, SC
"It was great to look out over the entire audience and see a sea of smiling faces-adults and kids-while they are learning about character ed." Sue Phillips, Guidance Counselor, A.R. Lewis Elementary, Pickens, SC
“ Fish the Magish has an excellent program with the focus on responsibility. The audience is actively engaged in the program. Rules and standards of behavior are established at the beginning of the program. Positive reinforcement and rewards for good behavior are used throughout the program. We highly recommend Fish the Magish to other Elementary Schools.” Clemson Elementary Second Grade Teachers, Clemson, SC
“What an amazing show! My students have never been so still!! The messages behind the magic were great! My students and I thoroughly enjoyed the show!” Maria Broos- 1st Grade Teacher- Hasty Elementary, Thomasville, NC
Fish the Magish really kept the student’s attention throughout the program. I’ll give him a “thumbs up”. Gloria Wilhelm- Asst Principal- North Rowan Elementary, Spencer, NC
“Fish the Magish presented a positive character building message all while keeping the kids laughing and actively involved. It was “good clean fun” for everyone!” Debbie Thompson- North Rowan Elementary, Spencer, NC
“Students and teachers are still singing your praises and I hope to book you again next year! I called the Spartanburg County Library and thanked them for recommending you to us.” Judith Mamroth- Media Specialist- Clifdale Elementary, Spartanburg, SC
“ I just wanted to thank you again for a great show! One patron said that, “This is the best Tuesday Night Out Program he had ever seen.” I am letting the rest of the staff know we really need to have you back again!” Kristy McBride, Spartanburg Public Library
“We thoroughly enjoyed your magic show…. One third grade teacher said it was the best program ever…. The students and faculty laughed together. It was worth it just to see how each child seemed to have such a good time…. We hope you will come back again!”
Phyllis Lupton, Thomasville Primary School, Principal- Thomasville, NC
“ Fish the Magish was one of the best entertainers our school has had in years!!! He was so much fun for everyone- even our teachers and staff were at times in tears from laughing so hard. Thank you so much!! All week I have received positive comments on your performance.” Tamara Craven- PTA President- Pine Valley Elementary- Wilmington, NC
“You were wonderful! Very entertaining! I especially liked the way you directed the children to use good manners, and incorporated social studies lessons into your act. I thoroughly enjoyed the show!” Lydia Davis, Counselor, Pine Valley Elementary, Wilmington, NC
“ Gosh, I thought Fish the Magish was wonderful, for both the children and the adults. I was especially impressed with the way your character educations points fit in smoothly with the magic.” Becky Fitzpatrick- Pine Valley Elementary 2nd grade teacher, Wilmington, NC
“Everyone left with a lighter heart…. The children and their parents love the imagination, the spontaneity, and the sense of fun that is the hallmark of your performances. And I appreciate your professionalism.”
Jackie Mullins, Children’s Librarian, Botetourt County Library, Fincastle, VA
“ You even had the 5th graders captivated! A hilarious show. Great timing and facial expressions. We will definitely call you again.” Nan Gibson, Wrightsville Beach Elementary, Wrightsville Beach, NC- PTA Cultural Arts
“Thank you for helping us celebrate our “Around the World” program. Your humor was wonderful and our teachers and students were very impressed with your entire performance!!” Carolyn Walker, Principal, Raleigh Road Elementary School- Linden, NC
“ Thank you for your great performance. What a treat to have someone who can really interact with children and adults. We want you to come back next summer Why mess with success!.” Ginger Holler, Orange County Public Library
“Thanks you for coming and doing such a fantastic show! I liked how the children were instructed on how to behave and the appropriate responses expected.” Beth Lewis- Wrightsville Beach Elementary- Wrightsville Beach, NC
“ Fish the Magish kept a Kindergarten/First grade audience entertained and in control for 45 minutes! The staff was entertained as well. After 1 month, the children are still talking about it! We highly recommend this program!” Patsy Higdon Principal- Sand Hill Venable Elementary- Asheville, NC
“Fish the Magish appealed to everyone. Even the 4th and 5th graders were amazed and entertained.” Robin Harper- Wrightsville Beach Elementary PTA President, Wrightsville Beach, NC
“ Excellent, age appropriate for K-5 and so funny!” Susan LeVassuer, 5th grade teacher, Pine Valley Elementary, Wilmington, NC
“What a great time! I would like to see you come twice a year. Not only did the kids enjoy you but the adults certainly did too! Thanks again! Wendy Herring, Pine Valley Elementary 2nd grade teacher, Wilmington, NC
“ What an amazing show! My students have never been so still!! The messages behind the magic were great! My students and I thoroughly enjoyed Fish the Magish! Maria Broos- Hasty Elementary, 1st grade teacher- High Point, NC
“Great show! Thanks. I liked how the expectations were explained before the show even started. The length of the show was perfect.” Christine Born- Wrightsville Beach Elementary 3rd grade teacher- Wrightsville Beach, NC
“ I highly recommend Fish the Magish to other libraries for future programs.”
Melinda Pennington, Lewisville Public Library, Winston Salem, NC
“An all around excellent show, full of laughter and learning!” Barbara Olsen- Pine Valley Elementary, 1st grade teacher- Wilmington, NC
“ Wonderful show! I needed a comedy break. This show was perfect! I would love to see Fish the Magish again.” Ginger Black- K-1- Wrightsville Beach Elementary- Wrightsville Beach, NC
“Your performance was definitely one to remember!! We recommend Fish the Magish to all!” Mike & Cindy Koszulinski- Cub Scout Pack 900- Bear Creek, NC
“ Fish the Magish was great! The lessons taught were very appropriate for thie age level. I appreciated what ‘Fish the Magish’ taught the children about bullies and honesty.” Debbie Brock- Brentwood Elementary, 5th grade teacher, Fayetteville, NC
“Wonderful program, I like the way you reinforced the character words. Keep up the good work!” Annie Reid, Brentwood Elementary, 5th grade teacher, Fayetteville, NC
“ Loved it! Students loved it! Great way to get a message across!” Susan Phillips, Laughlin Primary, 1st grade teacher, Summerfield, NC
“I enjoyed Fish the Magish as much or more than my children. I love the way you incorporate important values into your show.” Tina Hammond- Laughlin Primary, K Teacher, Summerfield, NC
“ Thank you so much for a fantastic assembly. It was so good to see everyone laughing and happy. We have been under a lot of strain these days and your show was a welcome relief. Everyone said they wished it had been longer!” Cathy Frierson, Holly Springs Elementary, Pickens, SC
"It was the best assembly we have ever had." Amy Emanuel, Teacher Grade 3, A.R. Lewis Elementary, Pickens, SC
creates a brand new program for summer reading fun.
Fish the Magish is excited about the 2012 Summer Reading Theme, Dream Big…, READ! This year’s all new program is designed for everyone that has an imagination. Well, I guess that is everyone!
• Hear the story of a magician’s dream. Watch in amazement as the dream comes to life!
• Fish the Magish will read the mind of a young athlete who dreams do be in the Olympics. A magical surprise for very young eyes.
• Witness as an inventive young artist gets an ovation for their art work as they “fool the magician”.
• Meet Hugo, the imaginary “monster,” and see if you can catch him before he disappears.
• Watch Katie the caterpillar transform into a beautiful butterfly with the help of a couple of young readers.
• Learn the secret as a brand new magic wand produces something from nowhere…. Then, it disappears…! Whimsical fun for the little ones.
There's lots of fun and lots of amazement as young and old alike are bedazzled by wonderful storytelling and mind-bending magic. Don't be left out. Call soon to get a date that is best for your library this summer!
Speaking in public can be intimidating and daunting for anyone, especially kids. Fish the Magish Magic classes offer a fun way for kids to learn some valuable lessons in public speaking and helps them take an important step toward getting over this fear.
Each child will receive their very own “Bag of Neat Stuff”. These are the props they will use, and keep, as they are introduced to the "fun of magic".
The Magic Classes range from 60-90 minutes. Your children will benefit from this fun class and learn some life changing skills. Their self esteem and self confidence gets a boost as they learn that the "Magic" is in them. Wow, what a concept!
Fish the Magish is excellent, age appropriate for K-5 and so funny!” Susan LeVassuer, 5th grade teacher, Pine Valley Elementary, Wilmington, NC
“ Children and adults just loved him! They couldn’t stop howling!”
Shelley Huntington, Branch Mgr.- Rawls Library, Courtland, VA
Although many libraries have "Fish the Magish" in for their summer reading programs, there are other times of the year to add a little magic to your library.
Holidays are always a magical time of year. Holiday shows are always a hit with parents and kids. The Fish the Magish programs can be adapted to any program that you might consider at your library.
Don't forget those other times when you are celebrating the love of books at your library. Library Week, Week of the Young Child, Book Week, just to name a few.
How about daytime events like storytime? Since all of the Fish the Magish programs are designed for ages 3 and up, you can use these programs with confidence that everyone will have fun at the library.
Plus, checkout the magic workshops that Fish the Magish offers to libraries. It is a great way to get elementary and middle school ages involved.
22 Reasons why librarians and teachers recommend "Fish the Magish" in their words...
“Your wonderfully appropriate performances helped our program,“ Books Ahoy!”, sail through the summer.” Lorene Dennis, Orangeburg County Library
“I just wanted to thank you again for a great show! One patron said that, “This is the best Tuesday Night Out Program he had ever seen.” I am letting the rest of the staff know we really need to have you back again!” Kristy McBride, Spartanburg Public Library
“I have been here five years and it was the best children’s magic show yet.” Lisa Calhoun, Children’s Librarian- Ashe County Public Library, West Jefferson, NC
“You were terrific… instilling good values even while the kids were rolling with laughter!” Rosalie Miller- Shepard Pruden Library, Edenton, NC
“Fish the Magish, thank you for your great performance. What a treat to have someone who can really interact with children and adults. We want you to come back next summer. Why mess with success!.” Ginger Holler, Orange County Public Library, Hillsborough, NC
“Thank you so much for getting our Summer Reading Program off to such a great start! We have had nothing but terrific comments about your program. What a delight and so much fun for all of us! Thank you for your time and talent.” Patricia Glazener, Asheville Librarian, Asheville, NC
“Thank you for helping to kick off our Summer Reading Program, and making it a huge success! I look forward to having you again in the future!” Christy Bondi, Children’s Librarian, Person County Library
“The kids had so much fun and so did I! I hope you will do another show for us sometime. Thanks again! Calista Moon, Children’s Librarian, Chapel Hill, NC
“Fish the Magish is incredible. Children and adults just loved him! They couldn’t stop howling!”
“Thank you for being with us…. You really emphasized the importance of reading. We hope to have you back again!” Mr. Wood, Principal, Ridgeway Elementary School- Ridgeway, VA
“Fish the Magish kept a Kindergarten/First grade audience entertained and in control for 45 minutes! The staff was entertained as well. After 1 month, the children are still talking about it! We highly recommend this program!” Patsy Higdon Principal- Sand Hill Venable Elementary- Asheville, NC
“Fish the Magish was one of the best entertainers our school has had in years!!! He was so much fun for everyone- even our teachers and staff were at times in tears from laughing so hard. Thank you so much!! All week I have received positive comments on your performance.” Tamara Craven- PTA President- Pine Valley Elementary- Wilmington, NC
“I felt the performance was WONDERFUL!! We ALL enjoyed it immensely.” Lynn Saintsing, First Grade Teacher, Hasty Elementary, Thomasville, NC
“You appealed to everyone. Even the 4th and 5th graders were amazed and entertained.” Robin Harper- Wrightsville Beach Elementary PTA President, Wrightsville Beach, NC
“Gosh, I thought the show was wonderful, for both the children and the adults. I was especially impressed with the way your character educations points fit in smoothly with the magic.” Becky Fitzpatrick- Pine Valley Elementary 2nd grade teacher, Wilmington, NC
“Excellent, age appropriate for K-5 and so funny!” Susan LeVassuer, 5th grade teacher, Pine Valley Elementary, Wilmington, NC
“What a great time! I would like to see you come twice a year. Not only did the kids enjoy you but the adults certainly did too! Thanks again!” Wendy Herring, Pine Valley Elementary 2nd grade teacher, Wilmington, NC
“What an amazing show! My students have never been so still!! The messages behind the magic were great! My students and I thoroughly enjoyed the show! Maria Broos- Hasty Elementary, 1st grade teacher- High Point, NC
“Thank you for such a well performed show! The children and adults loved it! I appreciate the symbolism of the flag, the “live lessons’ of honesty with Rosco the Rabbit and the object lesson of the boxes and judging others! Bravo!!! Come again, please!” Debbie Phillips- Hasty Elementary 1st grade teacher- High Point, NC
"Thank you, Fish the Magish, for your presentation at our Upwards Basketball Celebration. Your program was excellent! I heard many great comments afterwards." Cindy Hall, Minister of Outreach & Activities, First Baptist Church, Sanford, NC
Thank you so much, Fish the Magish, for all your hard work Saturday night! You were a HUGE success! Everyone LOVED you! I can't tell you how many compliments I got about your show. I just thought you should know that we had about 500 kids there. According to my numbers, we had about 160 families that were unchurched or visitors! What an outreach! I just want to thank you once again! You were fabulous :) April Newell, Mount Harmony Baptist Church, Matthews, NC
Wow, Mike... What a show! You did a fabulous job. The reviews for Fish the Magish have been awesome. Your story lines were perfect as well as your illusions (with an I, smile). Everything was great. Thank you for your witness of God and your work for him. May you be blessed in all you do. Thank you again from me and everyone at HCA!!!
Sandra Oates, Harrell's Christian Academy, Harrells, NC
I just wanted to tell you how wonderful it was to have you as part of our worship service when we celebrated the Children's Sabbath. Everyone is still talking about how great it was. The children (and the adults) loved Fish the Magish. Thank you again for making this Sunday very special!! Francis Cable, Friendship United Methodist Church, Brown Summit, NC
If you are open to talking on the phone for a minute or two, please call me. That is usually the quickest and simplest way to get the information you need to decide if "Fish the Magish" is a fit for your program.
Otherwise, send me a message and I'll get information to you immediately.
Mike Fisher
P.S. If I happen to be out performing shows when you call, just leave a message and tell me the best time to call you back. I'll get back to you the same day...guaranteed!
An educational presenter, Mike Fisher lives in Asheboro, NC. He has three grown children and three grandchildren. He and his wife, Char, are members of Central United Methodist Church in Asheboro, NC. A graduate of Clemson University, he has been entertaining kids of all ages since 1992.
"Victor Borge, the famous Welsh comedian said "the shortest distance between two people is laughter". Condsider what that means while educating children. A sense of humor is a teacher's greatest asset in the classroom. It is good for the child and it is good for the teacher."
