Jessi's Gold Medal
#55 of 131 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series
on Goodreads (1,217)
What’s inside...
When Jessi is asked to participate in the synchronized swimming competition, she is honored and surprised, but as she and her partner practice, she begins to doubt her ability to pull it off. The hit series is back, to charm and inspire another generation of baby-sitters!
Character compass
Jessi Ramsey
Discussion points
Why do you think Jessi was so determined to win a gold medal?
How did Jessi handle the challenges she faced? Can you think of a time when you faced a similar challenge?
What does friendship mean in this story? How do Jessi's friends support her goals?
How do you think setting a goal like Jessi's can help you in school or in other activities?
What would you have done differently if you were in Jessi's shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own experiences related to setting and achieving goals to make the conversation relatable.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think Jessi felt during her challenges and victories.
Reinforce the value of perseverance and hard work discussed in the story, connecting it to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Discuss the importance of support from friends and family when working towards a personal goal, asking your child about who they consider their support system.
Highlight Jessi’s emotions throughout the story and ask your child to share how they might feel in similar situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Jessi shows determination as she trains rigorously to excel in her ballet competition, despite facing challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficulties to achieve their goals, be it in academics, sports, or any other interests.
Example Lesson: Supporting Friends
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of friendship as Jessi’s friends offer her encouragement and support throughout her journey.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of being a good friend and supporting others in their times of need.
Example Lesson: Handling Disappointment
Explanation: Jessi faces setbacks in her competition but learns to handle her disappointment gracefully.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to manage their emotions and recover from setbacks, understanding that not all efforts lead directly to success but can be stepping stones.
Example Lesson: Importance of Hard Work
Explanation: The story demonstrates that success often comes from hard work and preparation, as shown by Jessi's commitment to her ballet training.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to dedicate themselves to their studies or other activities to see improvements and achieve success.
Example Lesson: Self-Confidence
Explanation: Jessi's journey in the book teaches her to be confident in her abilities, regardless of the competition outcome.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to believe in themselves and their abilities, boosting their self-esteem and resilience in various situations.