Wicked: Broach Inequity with Children in Early Years Education

Every now and then, a film comes along that provides the perfect opportunity to engage children in discussions about deep societal issues. Wicked, the smash-hit musical that reimagines The Wizard of Oz, is one such story. The themes offer meaningful classroom conversations about equity, empathy, and the importance of standing up for others.

For those unfamiliar, Wicked reframes the tale of the “Wicked Witch of the West” by portraying Elphaba not as inherently "wicked," but as a misunderstood individual navigating a world that marginalises her because of her differences. It’s a powerful story of privilege, disadvantage, discrimination, and resilience. Watching it, one might wonder how different Elphaba’s life trajectory would have been if she had attended a Hertfordshire school rather than the University of Shiz!

Here I explore Wicked's key themes and provides discussion prompts to help children of all ages reflect on the critical issues raised in a relatable and age-appropriate way.

Key Themes and Discussion Points

“No One Mourns the Wicked”: Seeing Beyond the Labels

The opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked,” starkly illustrates how society can label and condemn individuals without understanding their full story. From birth, Elphaba is ostracized for her green skin and judged by nearly everyone she meets. This serves as a chilling reminder of the power and danger of labels. In schools, creating a culture of belonging is crucial. Every young person should feel valued and heard. Discussing how Elphaba is treated in the musical can help children explore the consequences of exclusion and the importance of empathy.

• “Have you ever seen someone labelled unfairly? How do you think that made them feel? How can this be dangerous?”

• “How can we help others feel like they belong in our school?”

‘Popular!’: The Impact of Privilege and Belonging

Glinda’s light-hearted song “Popular” humorously captures the dynamics of social privilege and acceptance. However, beneath its cheerful exterior lies a deeper commentary on the divide between those who are readily embraced by society and those who are not. Elphaba’s rejection by her peers mirrors the experiences of children who struggle to form relationships due to poverty, discrimination, or other adversities. Schools play a pivotal role in breaking down these barriers by actively promoting inclusivity and building strong communities.

• “What does it mean to be a good friend? How can we help everyone feel included?”

• “Why do you think some people have an easier time making friends than others?”

Defying Gravity: Building Resilience and Strength

Elphaba’s iconic decision to “defy gravity” is a triumphant moment of self-empowerment, resilience, and courage. Yet, the broader narrative reminds us of the harsh realities she faces. Her act of defiance leads to isolation and rejection, symbolized by the witch effigy burned at the musical’s start. This duality is an opportunity to discuss the challenges of standing up for oneself and others in the face of adversity. Encourage your class to think about the importance of resilience with questions like:

• “Have you ever stood up for something you believed in? How did it feel?”

• “Why do you think it’s hard to do what’s right when others disagree?”

Creating a World Where Every Elphaba Belongs

What if Elphaba hadn’t endured constant rejection and judgment? Wicked reminds us of the potential we unlock when we support and include everyone. Schools can play a transformative role in shaping a culture where differences are celebrated, not feared.

Encourage discussions about equity and kindness with these questions:

• “What does fairness mean to you? How can we make sure everyone is treated fairly?”

• “Why is it important to celebrate differences rather than judge them?”

Conclusion: Wicked: Broach Inequity with Children in Early Years Education

Wicked is more than a box office hit—it’s a profound narrative that challenges us to examine privilege, inequity, and the power of empathy. By introducing these themes to young people, we can spark important conversations that help shape a more compassionate and inclusive school culture. After all, every Elphaba deserves to feel like they belong.

Prompts for Classroom Discussions

Here are some additional questions to guide thoughtful conversations:

What is Equity?“In Wicked, some characters like Elphaba face challenges because of how they look or because others make assumptions about them. Do you think that’s fair?”

Understanding Differences“Elphaba is different because of her green skin, but she is kind, brave, and smart. What can we learn from her story about celebrating differences?”

Kindness and Empathy“Glinda and others didn’t treat Elphaba kindly at first. How could they have shown more kindness?”

Challenging Stereotypes“People believed Elphaba was ‘wicked’ without really knowing her. Why is it important to get to know someone before deciding what we think of them?”

Standing Up for What’s Right“Elphaba stands up for the talking animals when no one else does. Why is it hard to stand up for what’s right? Why is it important?”

Teamwork and Friendship“Glinda and Elphaba didn’t always get along, but they learned to appreciate each other. What makes a good friend? Do we always have to be friends to be respectful and kind?”