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 Wilma Rudolph was
born in the South in 1940s to strong, caring parents. When she contracted
polio at the age of four, doctors told her she would never walk normally
again. The ridicule from other
children hurt her feelings terribly, but the support of her family kept her
spirit strong. She faithfully did the exercises she learned at therapy and
practiced her walking more very day until finally, when she was ten years
old, she could walk and run as fast as she wanted all by herself.
Wilma ran track in high school and kept her grades up, too,
knowing that winning races would get her medals, but a good education would
get her through life. At age 15, she
won a bronze medal in the 1956 Olympic Games, and three years later became
the first in her family of 22 children to go to college. She studied hard and excelled in track,
learning how to lose with grace and improve with practice. Her tenacious
spirit propelled her to the 1960 Olympic Games, where she became the first
woman in the United States to win three gold medals in the Olympics in track,
a truly astonishing feat. Wilma Rudolph was “The fastest woman in the
world.”
Wilma then graduated from college and became a teacher, coach and mentor to
others, encouraging young people in particular to “never underestimate
the power of dreams, for the potential for greatness lives within each of
us.” Through experiencing her inspiring story, children will gain a
broader perspective of Black history and realize the power of conviction,
hard work, determination and self-belief in achieving their own personal dreams and goals.
FOR SHOW
PICTURES AND REVIEWS,
SEE HISTORICAL
PERSPECTIVES FOR CHILDREN ON FACEBOOK!
VIEW ANYTIME FROM ANYWHERE ON THE SCHOOL DAY YOU BOOK.
This
program will be available via a simple link and password for the full
school day on which you book.
No programs to download or log into. View
when it is convenient for your classroom.
RELATED CURRICULUM SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS ASSEMBLY
PROGRAM
- Black History Month
- Women’s History Month
- Character education
- Disability awareness
- Biographies
- Bullying
- Social studies, language
arts, and physical education
 SPECIAL
CELEBRATION DATES:
*September, 1960 - Wilma became first
American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics
*October - Disability Awareness Month, National Book Month
*October 17-23 - National CHARACTER COUNTS! Week
*November, 1956 - Wilma won a bronze medal in the Olympics
*November 15-19 - American Education Week
*November 8-14 – Fall Children's Book Week
*February - Black History Month, Youth Leadership Month
*March - Women’s History Month
*April 4-10 - National Library Week
*May 3-9 – Spring Children’s Book Week
*May - National Sports and Fitness Month
*June – Summer Olympics coming up in July!
*July – August – Perfect for any summer programming
*For specific tie-ins to your state's curriculum and learning standards,
please call our office.
TESTIMONIALS:
CHICAGO:
"Captivating
and inspiring assembly program; geared to the age level. These assemblies are
a must each year!"
-- First Grade Teacher, Foster School, Oak Forest
"This program teaches how education prepares you for life, not just
a moment of glory, and it also teaches persistence to overcome difficulties
in one's life."
-- Fifth Grade Teacher, Clissold School, Chicago
BOSTON:
"The
performance was excellent . It kept the kindergarten class captivated. She
really made you feel she was the character, not an actress."
-- Kindergarten Teacher, Franklin School, Medford
"It was truly a learning experience of considerable magnitude. I
have seldom had the privilege of attending an assembly program where the
material and method were so masterfully accomplished."
-- Sixth Grade Teacher, Canterbury Street School, Worcester
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL:
"Inspirational!
The kids sat in awe. We could use more positive messages like this these
days."
-- Primary Teacher, Hoover School, Coon Rapids
"One of the best assembly programs I have seen in 31 years. It was
fun, serious, well-paced, creative and at the kids' maturity and interest
level."
-- Fifth Grade Teacher, Chelsea School, St. Paul
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