5 Things TCKs Have In Common With the Four Friends From the Wizard of Oz
This month we are releasing our “in-person curriculum” that loosely follows the story of the Wizard of Oz. We’re diving into the key themes and topics that TCKs can relate to from this timeless classic.
Navigating New Environments With Curiosity and Empathy
In the book, when Dorothy meets the Scarecrow, the first of her four friends in the Land of Oz, she observes how different and strange he looks–yet he walks and talks just like her! Despite this, she operates from a place of curiosity and deep empathy in learning more about Scarecrow’s needs and desires: specifically, to have a brain.
As the four friends continue on their journey, they learn to respect the rules, norms, and practices of different cultural contexts. In the “china country” they respect the porcelain natives by walking slowly around them. Upon leaving, the Tin Man says, “They are so afraid of outsiders. They must have been treated badly by those who did not understand them.” This shows how the friends use curiosity and respect in the new places they find themselves.
Similarly, TCKs often experience not having “full ownership” or feelings of belonging in their host countries. When they move back to their passport countries or to new cultures, they learn to not just understand but also appreciate and even adopt different cultural norms, by employing empathy and curiosity.
Engaging and Embracing Ambiguity
Where does the yellow brick road lead in the Land of Oz? How will they escape the trickery of the Wicked Witch? How can they continue to navigate new challenges? The four friends find comfort, support, and community with one another on their journey. They don’t know who they’ll meet, what they’ll encounter, or where they’re headed! Plus, they don’t know the cultural “rules” of the stops along the way. What ambiguity!
TCKs often find themselves in uncertainty when making friends and traveling to new places. TCKs are known for their flexibility, ability to take new perspectives, and to ask questions! All of these skills can help TCKs cope in ambiguous situations and adjust to new cultural norms.
Missing Home Makes Sense
Home is a complex and nuanced word, feeling, and location for many third culture kids. With multiple disruptions due to moving houses, cities, and even countries, TCKs will sometimes treasure certain objects that they can easily pack in their suitcases to establish “home” wherever they go. These can be a favorite stuffed animal, photo, or trinket they purchased from a local market in one of their homes.
In the Wizard of Oz, TCKs can relate to Dorothy’s love for her dog, Toto. He accompanies her everywhere and is a constant reminder of home.
Sometimes, Farewells Feel Like Forever
One of the most grab-your-tissue-box parts of the Wizard of Oz is when Dorothy says farewell to her friends! They show gratitude for their fast friendship by affirming one another and recounting the ways they’ve been changed for the better. Any reader can relate to saying goodbye to someone so important.
For TCKs, this is no different–but arguably, the goodbyes are even more frequent and intense. Not knowing when they’ll see friends again, if ever, is a reality for many TCKs who move oceans away. No longer being a part of the courage, growth, and love of cherished friendships can be the most devastating part of a goodbye. When TCKs read the chapter about Dorothy saying goodbye to her friends, they can relate. And probably will need a tissue or two.
Community is Key!
The theme of empowering one another to recognize strengths and abilities emerges throughout the four friend’s journey through Oz. From building courage in the Cowardly Lion, to affirming the Tin Woodman of his capacity to love and to be loved, to showing the Scarecrow that he already has a brain, the unlikely friends realize that they already have the innate strength, emotions, and coping skills to express themselves and to process experiences well.
It’s so important for TCKs to have a core community who can champion their strengths and prepare them for life’s challenges. TCKs will experience mega feelings associated with transition–namely grief and loss–throughout their upbringing, and it is essential to surround them with people who can speak life into them, affirm their strengths, and process experiences with them.
Continue the adventure by sitting down as a family and watching the movie, The Wizard of Oz, together!
Looking for In-Person TCK Curriculum to do at your next youth group, event, or retreat? Download our 5-lesson curriculum, Dot’s Colorful Adventure.
Not ready to commit yet? Check out our free TCK activity day, Before the Adventure Begins. Click the link, enter your email and create a password, and start exploring!