Wilma Rudolph
On My Own Biography, Yo Solo: Biografías Series
What’s inside...
A biography of the African-American woman who overcame crippling polio as a child to become the first woman to win three gold medals in track in a single Olympics.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges did Wilma Rudolph face and how did she overcome them?
Why do you think determination was important for Wilma?
How does Wilma inspire others, and who inspires you in a similar way?
Can you think of a time when you worked hard to achieve something? What was it?
How might Wilma's story change the way you approach your own challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story of overcoming a difficulty to create a connection with Wilma's experiences.
Encourage your child to relate Wilma's perseverance to their own life by asking them about times they've faced and overcome challenges.
Highlight the importance of role models and ask your child about people in their life who inspire them.
Discuss the value of determination and hard work, and brainstorm ways your child can apply these qualities in their schoolwork or hobbies.
Use praise to reinforce your child's insights during the discussion, which can boost their confidence and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to success
Explanation: The story of Wilma Rudolph illustrates her determination to overcome polio and become an Olympic champion, despite doctors saying she would never walk again.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that with hard work and persistence, they can achieve their goals, no matter the obstacles they face.
Example Lesson: Importance of supportive community
Explanation: Wilma's success was also due to the encouragement and support from her family and community who believed in her potential.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of having a supportive network and being supportive to others in achieving collective and personal goals.
Example Lesson: Breaking barriers
Explanation: Wilma Rudolph broke gender and racial barriers in the 1960s by excelling in track and field, a domain dominated by men.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to challenge societal norms and advocate for equality, regardless of the domain they choose to participate in.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Every hurdle Wilma faced, from her disability to societal prejudices, was met with resilience and strength, turning challenges into stepping stones.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to maintain a positive outlook and resilience in difficult situations, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
Example Lesson: The power of goal-setting
Explanation: Wilma Rudolph set clear goals for herself, such as becoming the fastest woman in the world, which she achieved through dedication and focus.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of setting clear, achievable goals and working steadily towards them, which is crucial for personal development and success.