The Baby-Sitters Club Series
Jessi's Secret Language
on Goodreads (4,494)
What’s inside...
Feeling isolated as the only African American in her sixth grade class, Jessi gains a sense of belonging by participating in the Baby-sitters Club, learning sign language in order to communicate with a deaf child, and dancing in a ballet.
Age
8-12
Length
145 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Discussion points
How do you think Jessi felt when she first started learning sign language? What challenges do you think she faced?
Why is it important for Jessi to communicate with the new student, Matt, using sign language?
What can we learn from Jessi's determination and willingness to help others?
How did Jessi’s friendship with Matt change her perspective or actions?
What would you do if you met someone like Matt who communicates differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine themselves in Jessi’s shoes, facing the challenges of learning a new language to help someone.
Highlight the value of inclusivity and helping others by discussing Jessi's efforts and what impact they had on Matt and others around them.
Discuss the importance of determination and perseverance shown by Jessi and relate it to any personal experiences or challenges your child might have faced.
Connect the theme of friendship in the book to your child's own experiences with friends, discussing how they can support and understand each other better.
Utilize pauses after each question to give your child enough time to think and express their thoughts fully.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: Jessi's Secret Language introduces a deaf character, Matt Braddock. Jessi learns American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with him, demonstrating inclusivity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of embracing and respecting differences among peers, fostering a more inclusive environment in their schools and communities.
Example Lesson: Communication is Key
Explanation: Through Jessi's efforts to learn ASL, the book highlights the significance of adapting communication methods to build stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to find effective ways to communicate their thoughts and feelings, whether verbally or through alternative means like art or writing, enhancing interpersonal skills.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Jessi faces challenges in learning a new language but remains determined and eventually succeeds. This highlights the value of perseverance and hard work.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to persist in the face of difficulties, whether they are learning a new skill or overcoming a personal challenge.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Jessi's dedication to learning ASL to communicate with Matt shows a deep level of empathy and understanding towards others' needs.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the feelings and situations of others, helping them to develop deeper emotional intelligence and compassion.