Lesson Plans for Grades K-12

recommended for GRADES 4-6

The Marvelous World of OZ
Jennifer Hinson (Stehlik Intermediate School – Houston, TX)
Susan Neuman (Glen Grove School – Glenview, IL)

Core Map
“The Marvelous Land of OZ,” by L. Frank Baum. The map can be found in most The Wizard of OZ books, and is also included in An Atlas of Fantasy by Jeremiah B. Post.

Overview
In this lesson students investigate the major themes in fantasy maps, expand basic map reading skills, write imaginative narrative essays based on the map, and create a fantasy map detail based on the core map. The class will create a display of the core map compiled from the students map details.

Objectives

1. Identify themes in fantasy maps and explain how the map of OZ fits those themes.
2. Navigate directions through the map and justify in writing and orally why they chose their path.
3. Understand the importance of a legend and create their own legend for the map.
4. Design and present their own detail from the OZ map.

Key Terms
fantasy, legend

Required Materials
overhead of the core map, copies of the core map, wall map in classroom, art supplies

Time
4 class periods (one for each of the four different activities)

Activity 1 - Important Features of a Map

1. If necessary, read exerpts from the story or watch the movie so the students have a basic understanding of the story. The story may be read aloud, or it may be combined with a reading unit if a class set of the story is available.
2. Have students analyze the core map in groups of 3-4. Each group should list the important features of the map.
3. After some time, pull down a classroom wall map. Have students list features of the wall map that do not appear on the OZ map. As a class, make a class list on the board or overhead (you may want to keep the list for later viewing). During the discussion be sure to focus on:
   a. Lack of legend: does this matter?
   b. Names of cities and towns: what can you tell about a city or town from its name? Would you want to travel to a place with “Winged Monkey” in the name? Why? Why not?
   c. Why is OZ surrounded by a desert? Is a fantasy location more believable if water or sand surrounds it? Compare The Wizard of OZ story to any other fantasy story that the class knows about (Peter Pan, Treasure Island).

Activity 2 - Navigation

1. In groups of 2, have students identify two locations on the core map. These locations should be in different countries of OZ. (Have students pick the locations before explaining the lesson).
2. Have students write directions (using directions: north, northwest, south…etc.) from one location to the other. In addition to the directions students need to write a short explanation of why they chose the directions they did.
3. Using an overhead or picture of the map, student will present their routes to the class and explain why they picked them. They will then take questions from the class and have to defend their choices.

Activity 3 - The Importance of a Legend

1. Display a wall map you have in your classroom with a clear legend. Have students identify the legend and point out the important features.
2. Have each student draw a legend for the core map.

Activity 4 - Detail of Map

1. Individually or in small groups, students need to pick one city or town on the core map. They need to then draw and label a detail of that town. Tell students that their drawings should look like a part of the core map and use the same style that Baum used.
2. After all groups are done, display the core map surrounded by the detailed town drawings on a bulletin board.

Evaluation

For 4 points the student always follows all of the directions given; when presenting orally, supports statements with concrete answers, speaks clearly, and presents a clear understanding of the main concepts; when drawing: presents a high quality of drawing, uses the same style as Baum used in the core map; and participates fully in class discussions.

For 3 points the student usually meets the criteria listed for 4 points.

For 2 points the student sometimes meets the criteria listed for 4 points.

For 1 point the student seldom meets the criteria listed for 4 points.

Extensions

1. Individually students can create their own fantasy maps and write stories based on these.
2. Students can research L. Frank Baum’s life (see Related Resources for books and websites).
3. Students can complete any of the web quests listed in the resources section. Be sure to check links for web quests before giving URLs to students since websites can expire without warning.