Wizard of Oz Unit

Overview

This two-week, 60-minute daily unit uses The Wizard of Oz (Starry Forest Classic Adventure version) to deeply engage 2nd grade students in reading comprehension and writing, centered on character traits, sequencing, cause and effect, and compare and contrast. The unit culminates with watching the movie and producing a well-developed written comparison of book and film. Lessons are interactive, rigorous, and designed to support high engagement for a class of 20 students, aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts.

Common Core State Standards Addressed

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.3: Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges. (Character Traits)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.5: Describe the overall structure of a story, including beginning, middle, and end. (Sequencing)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.3 & RL.2.7: Use information from the story to explain cause and effect and compare and contrast different versions of the same story.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.3: Write narratives recounting a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events, including details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.5: Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings (character traits vocabulary focus).

Weekly Structure at a Glance

Day	Focus	Skill	Key Activity	Writing Component
1	Introduction & Character Traits	RL.2.3	Read Aloud + Character Trait Charts	Sentence writing about Dorothy
2	Sequencing Part 1	RL.2.5	Story Map - Beginning & Middle	Sequencing paragraph draft
3	Sequencing Part 2	RL.2.5	Story Map - Ending + Group Recaps	Revise sequencing paragraph
4	Cause and Effect	RL.2.3	Cause & Effect Sort Cards Activity	Cause & Effect mini-explanation writing
5	Compare & Contrast Intro	RL.2.7	Venn Diagram – Book vs. Prior Knowledge	Write 2 comparison sentences
6	Movie Viewing (part 1)	RL.2.7	Watch First Half of Movie	Notes & drawings on characters/events
7	Movie Viewing (part 2)	RL.2.7	Watch Second Half of Movie	Notes & drawing on cause/effect
8	Compare & Contrast Deep Dive	RL.2.7	Whole Class Discussion + Double Bubble Map	Draft compare/contrast paragraph
9	Writing Workshop	W.2.3	Refining Final Compare/Contrast Paragraph	Peer Review + Revision
10	Final Presentation & Reflection	SL.2.1, W.2.3	Share Writing + Reflect on Favorite Part	Final polished writing submission

Detailed Daily Plan

Day 1 - Character Traits Introduction

Objective: Describe characters’ traits using story details (CCSS RL.2.3).
Materials: Starry Forest Book, large Character Trait chart, colorful sticky notes.
Activities:

Read first two chapters aloud with expressive tone.
Introduce “character traits” vocabulary (brave, kind, fearful, clever). Brainstorm and list on chart.
Students write one sentence describing Dorothy’s traits using a sentence starter: “Dorothy is ___ because ___.” Use sticky notes for each student to post a trait on the chart.
Partner share to explain their trait choice.

Assessment: Informal observation of sentences for trait understanding; sticky note participation.

Day 2 - Sequencing Beginning and Middle

Objective: Identify and recount story events in order (CCSS RL.2.5).
Materials: Story map templates (large poster size divided into beginning/middle), marker sets.
Activities:

Read next chapters that cover the start of Dorothy’s journey.
Model filling in story map beginning and middle sections as a class; students contribute ideas.
Small groups use individual story map printouts to sequence events from beginning/middle.
Groups present one part to class.

Assessment: Completed group story maps and oral presentations.

Day 3 - Sequencing End & Writing Sequencing Paragraph

Objective: Complete story sequence and write a sequencing paragraph (CCSS RL.2.5, W.2.3).
Materials: Story maps, writing paper or journals.
Activities:

Read final chapters covering resolution.
Complete story maps (end).
Model writing a sequencing paragraph with transitions (first, next, last).
Students draft own sequencing paragraphs using their story maps as guides.
Peer share session with feedback focusing on order clarity.

Assessment: Draft sequencing paragraph checked for clarity and use of sequence words.

Day 4 - Cause and Effect Exploration

Objective: Explain cause and effect within story events (CCSS RL.2.3).
Materials: Cause/Effect sort cards with specific events from book; chart.
Activities:

Review cause and effect definition with examples from daily life.
Read key excerpts with clear causes and effects (e.g., tornado leads Dorothy to Oz).
Students sort event cards into cause or effect piles in small groups.
Create a Cause and Effect tree chart as a class.
Writing: Students write 2-3 sentences explaining one cause and effect from the story.

Assessment: Cause/effect writing checked for accurate understanding.

Day 5 - Introduction to Compare & Contrast

Objective: Identify similarities and differences in characters and events (CCSS RL.2.7).
Materials: Large Venn Diagram chart, student smaller Venn diagrams, colored pencils.
Activities:

Discuss how versions of stories differ (introduce book vs. movie).
Compare traits of Dorothy to another familiar character (e.g., a class favorite book).
Fill out whole class Venn diagram comparing two characters.
Independent writing: Write 2 sentences stating one similarity and one difference.

Assessment: 2 sentence written response for compare/contrast logic.

Days 6 & 7 - Movie Viewing

Objective: Note and compare story elements through multimedia (CCSS RL.2.7).
Materials: Film copy of The Wizard of Oz (movie version), note-taking sheets.
Activities:

Watch movie in two parts (~30 minutes each).
Students actively take illustrated notes about characters and important events.
Class pause moments to discuss observed differences or surprises.
Encourage thoughtful, focused viewing with visual/drawing note-taking to engage diverse learners.

Assessment: Participation and quality of notes/drawings as formative assessment.

Day 8 - Compare & Contrast Movie and Book

Objective: Deeply compare and contrast story elements (CCSS RL.2.7, SL.2.1).
Materials: Double Bubble Maps, markers.
Activities:

Whole class collaborative creation of a double bubble map for movie vs. book (characters, events, setting).
Small group discussions to find additional points.
Guided writing to produce a paragraph comparing and contrasting key elements.

Assessment: Draft paragraph checked for use of comparative language and evidence.

Day 9 - Writing Workshop: Finalizing Compare/Contrast Paragraph

Objective: Write a detailed narrative paragraph comparing two media versions (CCSS W.2.3).
Materials: Student drafts, peer review checklists.
Activities:

Mini-lesson on revising for clarity, word choice, and adding descriptive details.
Peer editing groups exchange paragraphs and provide constructive feedback with checklist guided by teacher.
Students revise paragraphs incorporating peer and teacher suggestions.

Assessment: Revised paragraphs collected for final evaluation.

Day 10 - Presentation & Reflection

Objective: Demonstrate speaking and writing skills in sharing analysis (CCSS SL.2.1, W.2.3).
Materials: Finished writing, presentation area.
Activities:

Students present their compare and contrast paragraphs in small groups or to whole class.
Reflective discussion on what they learned about stories, characters, and differences in storytelling mediums.
Write a short reflection sentence: “My favorite part of The Wizard of Oz unit was ___ because ___.”

Assessment: Oral presentations and written reflections submitted for final evaluation.

Classroom Management & Engagement Strategies

Use flexible seating during partner/group work for movement.
Incorporate “think-pair-share” and turn-and-talk activities frequently to maintain engagement.
Hands-on activities like sorting cards and creating charts promote kinesthetic learning.
Visual anchor charts posted for each skill focus help keep standards visible.
Set clear behavior and work expectations upfront to maintain rigor and focus.

Extension Ideas for Advanced Learners

Write a dialogue between two characters explaining their traits or motivations.
Create an illustrated storybook page retelling an event using sequencing skills.
Research the author or history of The Wizard of Oz and present a mini-report.

This plan honors the teacher’s request for no worksheets, high rigor, interactive activities, and extended writing while fully aligning with 2nd grade CCSS ELA standards. It integrates literature, writing, speaking, and critical thinking—ensuring a rich, memorable learning experience around this classic text.

Teaching Instructions