wizard of oz

[corral gal]

the wizard of oz is always on tv in the fall. we are visiting a corn maze next week with this theme and i am incorporating geograph, tornadoes, social skills and much more in to our primary group's after school program!

[coachv]

We are currently working on the populist movement in US History. I am thinking about using the movie the Wizard of Oz as a learning tool. Has anyone ever tried it? As I understand it, different characters represent different things. Example: The wicked witch of the East represents the bankers in the east trying to take the farm from the farmers on the plains because they are in debt to them. Yellow brick road represents the gold standard, oz is short for Ounces, tin man is industry, the lion is William Gennings Bryan, and the wizard is Mckinnley. Anyone out their have any ideas for activities or worksheets for this movie?
Thanks,

[busbus]

We are currently working on the populist movement in US History. I am thinking about using the movie the Wizard of Oz as a learning tool. Has anyone ever tried it? As I understand it, different characters represent different things. Example: The wicked witch of the East represents the bankers in the east trying to take the farm from the farmers on the plains because they are in debt to them. Yellow brick road represents the gold standard, oz is short for Ounces, tin man is industry, the lion is William Gennings Bryan, and the wizard is Mckinnley. Anyone out their have any ideas for activities or worksheets for this movie?
Thanks,

When I was informed about this, I was completely surprised. I guess I shouldn't have been! But, I was just looking at it as a wonderful book and movie, never considered the political aspects of it.

Anyway, I did a little online investigation and did find some interesting classroom activities. I'll look for the site where I found them and if I find it, will post.

This should be an interesting and eye-opening unit for your students.

Have fun!