Cindy Bentley: Spirit of a Champion (Badger Biographies Series)
Badger Biographies Series
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
Cindy Bentley: Spirit of a Champion celebrates the life of one of Wisconsin's most inspirational leaders and activists. Born with an intellectual disability, Cindy Bentley spent much of her childhood at the Southern Wisconsin Center for the Developmentally Disabled. When she began participating in Special Olympics, she gained confidence as she worked with teammates to earn medals in tennis, track and field, and even snowshoeing. Chosen as a Global Messenger for the Special Olympics International in 2000, Cindy has had dinner at the White House with two different American presidents, traveled around the world, and given speeches in front of thousands of people.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges did Cindy Bentley face and how did she overcome them?
How do you think Cindy felt when she won her Special Olympics medals?
What qualities do you admire most in Cindy and why?
If you could ask Cindy one question about her life, what would it be?
How can Cindy's story inspire us in our everyday lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on Cindy Bentley’s resilience and determination. Encourage your child to think about the times they've faced challenges and relate those experiences to Cindy’s story. Highlight the importance of perseverance and positive attitude. Discuss the significance of support from family and friends in achieving goals. Lastly, help your child recognize and articulate personal qualities they share with Cindy or aspire to develop.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The story of Cindy Bentley illustrates how she overcame challenges associated with her disability and the neglect she faced in institutions, eventually thriving as a Special Olympics athlete.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through their personal challenges, whether in school or in social situations, understanding that obstacles can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Importance of supportive community
Explanation: Cindy’s achievements were partly made possible by the support she received from her caregivers and friends who believed in her abilities.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and foster positive relationships with friends, family, and educators, recognizing that these bonds can help them achieve their goals.
Example Lesson: Self-advocacy and empowerment
Explanation: Cindy Bentley's story exemplifies how she learned to speak up for herself and make her own decisions, particularly in advocating for her rights within the healthcare system.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to express their needs and opinions in a respectful and confident manner, which is crucial for their personal development and autonomy.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and inclusivity
Explanation: Cindy’s journey encourages acceptance of all individuals, regardless of their abilities, and promotes inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children to embrace diversity and include others who might appear different from them, fostering an inclusive atmosphere in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Celebrating personal achievements
Explanation: Cindy Bentley takes pride in her accomplishments as an athlete, which reinforces the importance of celebrating personal milestones, big or small.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and celebrate their own achievements and those of others, which can boost self-esteem and encourage continuous personal growth.