The Wizard of Oz (PG)

Are you familiar with the plot of The Wizard of Oz.  Here’s a bit of background for you:
She’s not in Kansas anymore! A tornado sweeps Dorothy and her dog Toto out of Kansas and into the land of Oz. As they search for the way home Dorothy and Toto encounter a Scarecrow who wants a brain, a Tin Man who yearns for a heart and a Cowardly Lion who desires above all else ... courage! It will not be that easy, however. The lion pretends to be fierce, but breaks down in tears when Dorothy slaps him.

This 1939 film from MGM is directed by Victor Fleming, written by Moel Langley, Florence Ryerson, and Edgar Allan Woolf and produced by Mervyn LeRoy. It stars Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton and Charley Grapewin.

• Have you ever pretended to be brave when you didn’t feel brave? What was the effect?
• Dorothy took a stand and slapped the Lion.  What do you think of her reaction?  Would you do things differently?  If so, how?
• What do you think others think if you admit you are afraid?  Does it take courage to admit you are afraid?

As a group, think of situations, in school, in your community, in the world, where someone is picking on someone smaller and more vulnerable (picture the Lion going after Toto).  What might be motivating that person?  How could you approach the situation or person with that in mind.

In what ways do Upstanders need to be brave?  How can you recognize and honor Upstander behavior in your school community?

Have the group try to make-up a suggestion sheet of different techniques to approach the situation or person.