Teacher's Helpers Wanted

[TX2007]

I was hoping to get some ideas on ways to use The Wizard of OZ as a theme this year. Today it dawned on me that I could use the characters from to motivate kids in various ways, besides, I'm havin' fun just downloading memorabilia! For instance, I love the fact that "post brick road" Scarecrow discovers he has brains. Trust me, all kids act like "scarecrow" whenever you call their name so I encourage kids to take risks and expect to be called on in class.

Another idea I thought about was using the slogan "follow the yellow brick road" to get them to remember important facts on review cards posted in my room. They've been up for two years and just happen to be yellow.

I'm stumped on ways to incorporate Dorothy, the Lion and the Tin Man. Help!

[smile]

The Lion- Courage! develop the characteristics of a well rounded person. stand up for what you believe in. stand up for peers, even in difficult situations. do what you think is right, even if it's the more difficult path to take. don't be intimidated by opposition. defend your beliefs. don't be a pushover. no one wants a spineless friend!

the tin man- a heart! be caring, respectful, trustworthy toward your peers. show a heart! be considerate. love (or at least like) one another. show compassion, empathy, respect. a heart can really resemble anything along these lines. you have a lot of room for interpretation.

dorothy- overcome opposition, even in the most difficult situation. she was thrown out of her world, chased by a wicked witch, had to endure a long journey, and found a quack-magician at the end. but she still got home! be optimistic throughout everything, even though if it seems as though the solution is far away (i imagine that's what dorothy was thinking when she was attacked by flying monkeys!) but still, she persevered, and thus she achieved.

hope i provided a jumping board! great idea, btw

[Scully]

I asked my hubby if he had any great ideas (he's a teacher) and he said that his brain is still on the "off" switch until the last week of August so I will get back to you in a little while k?

[TX2007]

You guys are great. I will definitely have to write down Smiles suggetsions. Those are great character traits. And don't we all want adolescents to exhibit those!

Scully, your hubby is lucky! Teachers started back on Aug. 4th and the kids return on the 14th. But ya know what? Surprisingly, this year I was ready to return. I guess it was the pep talk we got from Ron Clark, a teacher celeb. By the way, your husband may wanna check out his story. It's been made into a made-for-tv movie starrring Matthew Perry as the teacher himself! It airs on TNT Sunday Aug. 13th at 7PM (CT).

Now, if I could figure out how to use the "Wizard" to increase test scores on those tests!

[Rose]

i dont know what age group your kiddies are, but you could give the groups they work in (for english and maths etc.) names like Munchkins and Tin Men or something.
Sorry, I've never watched Wizard of Oz, but I kind of know the story, so I'll do my best to help.

[TX2007]

Thanks Rose,

I need all the help I can get. I will probably have to figure out how to use character names for kids when they do something that fits the "character" like smile described above!
Hey, Why didn't I think of that?!!!

[smile]

haha np tx! hope your kids find them useful... : ))

[TX2007]

Originally Posted by *Rose*

i dont know what age group your kiddies are, but you could give the groups they work in (for english and maths etc.) names like Munchkins and Tin Men or something.
Sorry, I've never watched Wizard of Oz, but I kind of know the story, so I'll do my best to help.

Oh, by the way...
I forgot to mention that these are 8th graders!

[smile]

LOL... eighth graders want to be big and older... I don't think they'd react well to being called "Munchkins"! LOL! hahaha

[TX2007]

Hmmm...I may be able to use that to my advantage....
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