Ellie Simmonds (Dream to Win)
Dream to win Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Ellie, or Eleanor, Simmonds, is a swimming legend and multi-Paralympic champion at just sixteen years old. Read about her journey from childhood to triumph at the London 2012 Paralympics. It takes blood, sweat, and tears to reach the peak of any sport, and this book is a part of the Franklin Watts EDGE series, designed to inspire and motivate young readers through powerful stories of top athletes and sports personalities, demonstrating the skill, determination, and luck needed to break through into top-level competition.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
45 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ellie Simmonds
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Ellie Simmonds to become a Paralympic swimmer?
How do you think Ellie felt when she faced challenges? What would you do in her situation?
What can we learn from Ellie's dedication and perseverance?
How did Ellie’s achievements make you feel about your own goals and dreams?
Why is it important to have role models like Ellie Simmonds?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the qualities that make Ellie Simmonds a role model. Discuss her determination and resilience in overcoming challenges. Draw parallels to any personal situations or setbacks your child may have experienced, and explore how they can apply similar perseverance. Celebrate achievements, both big and small, to emphasize that every milestone is significant in its own right. Lastly, use Ellie’s story to motivate your child to set and pursue their own goals, ensuring the conversation remains interactive and encouraging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story captures Ellie Simmonds' unwavering determination as she trains and competes as a Paralympic swimmer, overcoming obstacles and setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persisting through challenges, whether in sports, academics, or personal pursuits, understanding that dedication leads to success.
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: Ellie’s journey highlights how her physical differences due to dwarfism didn’t hinder her ambitions, but rather gave her unique strengths and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to appreciate and respect their own and others' differences, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Goal Setting
Explanation: Ellie's achievements are shown as a result of setting clear, achievable goals and working diligently towards them, demonstrating the power of goal-oriented motivation.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to set personal goals, whether small or big, and learn the steps to plan and achieve them, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The narrative showcases how Ellie dealt with competition pressure and physical demands, always bouncing back stronger from setbacks.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of resilience, helping them understand how to cope with failures or difficulties and turn them into learning experiences.