The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: ARTHOUSE Unlimited Special Edition
#1 of 3 in Nerdy Dozen Series
What’s inside...
This classic tale follows the adventures of young Dorothy Gale, who is swept away from her Kansas farm by a tornado and lands in the magical Land of Oz. Alongside her dog Toto and new friends—the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion—Dorothy embarks on a journey to meet the Wizard of Oz, who she believes can help her return home. Along the way, they face various challenges and learn valuable lessons about courage, heart, brains, and the true meaning of home.
Character compass
Dorothy Gale
Cowardly Lion
Tin Woodman
The Scarecrow
Wizard Of Oz
Wicked Witch Of The West
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in Dorothy’s shoes and met the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion?
How do you think the characters felt when they first entered the Emerald City?
Why is it important to have friends like the ones Dorothy made on her journey?
If you could ask the Wizard of Oz for something, what would it be and why?
What do you think makes the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion special, even though they think they’re missing something?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, making connections between their feelings and the characters’. Pose questions about the story’s settings and ask them to describe them in their own words. Acknowledge their responses positively to build their confidence in expressing ideas. Lastly, draw parallels between the story’s lessons and real-life situations to enhance their understanding and retention of the theme.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Self-Belief
Explanation: In 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz', characters like the Cowardly Lion embark on a journey to find courage, only to discover that they possessed it all along. This teaches children the importance of believing in their own abilities.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to face their fears, whether it’s speaking in front of the class or trying out for a sports team, reinforcing the idea that they are braver than they think.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Dorothy and her friends support and look out for each other, showcasing the value of true friendship.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of building strong, supportive friendships in their own lives, teaching them to be there for others and to choose friends who uplift them.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Explanation: Dorothy and her companions often face challenges that they overcome through clever thinking and teamwork. This highlights the importance of thinking critically and working together to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply problem-solving skills in their day-to-day challenges, like working out disagreements with peers or tackling difficult school assignments.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: The characters’ relentless journey to meet the Wizard demonstrates the importance of perseverance and not giving up despite numerous obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of persistence in achieving goals, whether it’s completing a difficult task or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Understanding Oneself
Explanation: As each character learns something vital about their own desires and capabilities, the story underscores the journey of self-discovery.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to explore their own talents and passions, fostering a sense of self-awareness and confidence.