The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Glinda of Oz
Nerdy Dozen Series
on Goodreads (179)
What’s inside...
In The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy and her dog Toto are transported by a cyclone from Kansas to the magical Land of Oz. Dorothy meets the Munchkins and is advised to seek the Wizard's help to return home. Along the Yellow Brick Road, she befriends the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion. Together, they face challenges like a deadly poppy field, fierce animals, and flying monkeys, in their quest to meet the Wizard and seek their heart's desires. In Glinda of Oz, Dorothy and Princess Ozma enlist Glinda's help when they face danger on the Magic Isle of the Skeezers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-15
Length
301 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Dorothy Gale
Princess Ozma
Cowardly Lion
Tin Woodman
The Scarecrow
Glinda
Wizard Of Oz
Su-Dic
Queen Coo-Ee-Oh
Wicked Witch Of The West
Discussion points
What do you think courage, brains, and heart represent in the story, and how could they be important in your life?
If you were to meet the Wizard of Oz, what would you ask for and why?
How did the characters change from the beginning of the book to the end? What do you think caused these changes?
What challenges did Dorothy and her friends face and how did they overcome them?
How does the idea of 'home' in the story compare to what home means to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next, enhancing their anticipation and involvement in the story.
Discuss the unique characteristics of each character and relate them to real-life scenarios, which can help children understand and express their own feelings.
Create a fun, interactive atmosphere by assuming the roles of different characters during the reading. This role-playing can deepen their comprehension and retention of the story.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene or a character from the book. This can serve as a visual aid for discussing the story's themes and events.
Use real-world examples to connect the moral lessons in the book, like the importance of bravery or honesty, back to your child’s daily experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of bravery and self-confidence
Explanation: Throughout 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz', characters like the Cowardly Lion demonstrate that true courage comes from facing fears. He learns that bravery isn't the absence of fear but the ability to confront it.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling challenges at school or in social settings, understanding that it's normal to feel scared and that overcoming those fears is a part of growing.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Dorothy's journey in Oz is greatly aided by the friends she makes along the way. The characters work together to overcome obstacles, emphasizing that teamwork and cooperative efforts can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to collaborate with peers during group projects or play, recognizing that joint efforts often produce superior results than working alone.
Example Lesson: The power of intelligence and resourcefulness
Explanation: Scarecrow’s journey to get a brain highlights how intelligence is not just innate, but can be developed through experiences and challenges.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in activities that enhance their cognitive skills like reading, puzzles, and educational games, understanding that intelligence can be cultivated.
Example Lesson: Understanding that everyone has unique strengths
Explanation: Each character in 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' has distinct abilities that contribute to their group, teaching that individual differences are valuable and should be celebrated.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own unique talents and those of others, fostering an environment of mutual respect and admiration among peers.
Example Lesson: The significance of perseverance
Explanation: In 'Glinda of Oz', Dorothy and her friends face numerous challenges but their determination never wavers. This resilience underlines the importance of persevering despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to keep striving towards their goals, be it in academics, sports, or personal interests, regardless of the obstacles they encounter.