Or, if it's a group of friends who share the magic powers, they might disguise it as something that sounds like regular conversation, like a code word.
The kid's in question were raised in isolation and are abuse victims, could that affect anything? And would it be possible for magic to have no readily apparent rules and not break a story?
One thing, They have been abused, they might not mature as fast as kids that haven't been abused. So the shy one clinging to the safety and comfort of dolls might not be absurd. I think the kids would also realize that they don't want people to know thier powers, since their grandmother tried to exploit their powers. so "accidental" magic might make them "freak" or panic. I think how they use, practice or explore thier magic should be in a way that matches their personalities. Bold loud chanting and screaming unusual words and jumping around might not be comfortable to the shy one. Small precise delicate movements might not be right for the boy. Everything we learn, we learn in our own way, that matches our personality.
When I was younger, I chewed on my pacifier to activate my magical abilities, though that's much too younger than what you're looking for.. Maybe brushing her hair for the girl?
It's the ten to twelve range I'm looking for. And might it be interesting if their magic was limited to the manipulation of fire, metal, lightning, water, wind, earth and time?
Lorddread, I may be alone in thinking this, but I feel as if you're leaving us pretty much in the dark as to what you want here. Can you make it easier for people to give you the help you're asking for by providing at least one example of the kind of thing that you mean? ChickenFreak
If what you're asking overall. I'm still not sure; my one post was purely guessing, and I have no idea if it's even relevant to your question. ChickenFreak
Okay the foci thing, something like charging a lightning bolt by during the walk realy fast in place on a carpet trick. And the elemental thing, well a witch can only do magic related to fire, time, earth, wind, water, metal and lightning; that's the scope of their power.