TIP: Now it's time for the real fun, but move to this step without any fanfare.
There's an old-fashioned game of the pea under the walnut shells.
The owner of the three walnut shells hides one pea under one of the walnut shells. The spectators watch as he moves the shells around, trying to keep track of which walnut shell is hiding the pea. When he stops he asks, "Where is the pea? Because it's a trick (let's just say that these are special walnut shells are unique . . . ) it's not easy to do this. If there was a bet made, the owner of the walnut shells has just earned a few coins.
However, this step in Toss Down is designed for fun and helps students learn thirds. It is not intended to trick anyone. The teacher must move at an appropriate pace so it may seem tricky, but the students always get the answer right. This means moving the cards within that sweet spot where it's not too easy and not too hard.
1. Without saying anything different is about to happen, one at a time (as before) toss A C E G B D F face down.
Before you point to A, the first card, move the card to the end of the row.
2. Move your hand just above the cards as you decide which card to turn over. This will create some suspense. You will be the best judge of their ability, but a good first card, to begin with, is C (easiest) or E or G (a little trickier).
Point to the first card you want them to name. Touch the card and wait just a moment as most everyone calls out an answer.
Then turn the card over.
"I knew it was G!" "Yay!" "I'm right! I'm right!" Play along, complimenting them, and having fun. Continue pointing to cards in and out of sequence until all the cards are face up.
"All right, everyone! Well done."
3. Pick the cards up and repeat this pea under the walnut shell step several times. It will drive them crazy if you move some cards back into position after moving them out of position.