#12 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series
Dawn's Big Date
on Goodreads (1,557)
What’s inside...
Dawn is excited about her date with Lewis but she is also nervous. She wants to make a good impression and decides to change her image. However, she realizes that it's best to be herself.
Character compass
Discussion points
How do you think Dawn felt when she had to choose between the two events? What would you have done in her place?
Why is it important to keep promises to friends? Can you think of a time when you kept a promise?
Dawn had to manage her time and make decisions. How do you decide what is most important when you have conflicting responsibilities?
How did the characters in the book show support for one another? How do you show support to your friends and family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Dawn's shoes, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the character's decisions.
Discuss the value of commitments and promises, relating them to your child’s everyday experiences with friends and family.
Use examples from the book to talk about priority setting and decision making, helping your child apply these concepts to their own life.
Highlight the supportive actions of the characters, prompting your child to think about how they can be supportive in their own relationships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In the story, Dawn grapples with the decision to be truthful about her feelings during difficult situations. Her journey emphasizes the value of being honest even when it's not the easiest option.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of truthful communication with friends and family, fostering trust and stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: Dawn learns to be confident in her decisions regarding friendships and personal style throughout the book. This growth helps her navigate social challenges with assurance.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to embrace their unique qualities and make choices confidently, contributing to a positive self-image and resilience in facing peer pressure.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The character is faced with multiple responsibilities and learns to manage them effectively, showing the balance between personal life and obligations.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of managing their duties, be it homework or chores, and the fulfillment that comes from accomplishing tasks responsibly.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Dawn shows empathy by trying to see situations from others’ perspectives and being considerate of their feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can use this understanding in real life to foster deeper connections with peers and resolve conflicts in a caring and inclusive manner.