Connecting with Littles As a reminder, we are still asking that matches not meet in person. We know many of you are excited to meet in person again so keep watching these emails for updates as we have them. In the meantime, if Bigs would like a way to connect with other Bigs, please join our private Facebook page just for Bigs. We will share updates on there as well as give you a space to interact with other Bigs who might have the same questions you do.

Bigs Facebook Page

Virtual Recruitment- Let's Think BIG  Do you know someone who would be a great mentor? Our Match Enrollment Specialist, Katie, will be LIVE for your convenience to answer your questions and talk about how you can make a difference for children in the Treasure Valley RIGHT NOW. We need connection now more than ever - Visit our Facebook page to spend some time with us April 22nd at noon and you won't regret learning about our life changing program.

Virtual Match Event- Introduction to Quilting Led by one of our fantastic Bigs, all participants will make a single quilt square. After we’re done, everyone will turn their square back in and they will be joined together to make a Big Brothers Big Sisters quilt. It will be a great symbol of us all being together while we’re apart. If you have questions, email Kyle at kchristensen@bbbsidaho.org . If you’re a Big and would like to sign yourself and your Little up, please click here .

Letter Writing Ideas Make a newspaper. Instead of writing a letter, chose a few headlines and send the front page of your newspaper. If you have access to a printer, send your Little Idaho themed activity pages. Decorate the envelope- make a scene out of the stamp as shown in the photo. Send an oragami envelople and letter.  Mail something unexpected. You can send Frisbees, hula hoops or even rocks with the correct postage.

Ideas from Bigs Embrace the fun extras built in. Use goofy filters on a video call or send each other funny photos. Play a game together on Roblox. The Roblox platform is intended to be a safe and fun space for all players but we still want parent/guardian permission before playing a game. Build paper airplanes. Take a video of each person's flying and see who can build the plane that goes the farthest.  Watch a drawing tutorial and create a drawing together. While coloring, ask each other would you rather questions. Please send us your fun ideas to be featured in the next Big News!

Conversation starters Here are some ways to get the conversation flowing whether you are talking on the phone, texting, or doing a video call: Talk to your Little about what they are studying each day. Boise School District has their lessons online for all grades and they have some fun activities to try, even if your Little in not in the district. Low on art supplies? Watch this video on making a collage. All you need is paper and crayons or colored pencils. The Treasure Valley YMCA has other fun crafts, cooking ideas, and ways to get moving too. Challenge each other to a scavenger hunt with a twist. Give each other some clues so you must first guess what you are trying to find with these scavenger hunt riddles. Join the Backyard Biologist Project. There are different projects depending on age and all entries receive an official Backyard Biologist certificate.

Parent/Guardian Resources United Way List of community resources A list of Community Resources available throughout the Treasure Valley to support those directly and indirectly impacted by COVID-19.  During the month of April the Love and Logic Parenting Class is offered online for free. Free Marine Biology, Oceanography, and Underwater Robots Class. This new online class is not only going to teach your kids about underwater life and the physical ocean elements, but also provide your kids with a hands-on experience of what it’s really like to be a marine biologist. Sparklight Internet A 15 Mbps internet plan for $10 per month is available for the next 60 days to help low income families and those most impacted from coronavirus challenges, such as seniors and college students. No documentation will be required to sign up for this plan.

Icon Credit Union Sponsors the Big News

Do Successful Children Need Praise or Encouragement? According to success researcher Carol Dweck, children are more successful when they are recognized for their work ethic rather than praised for their talent. In a Columbia University study, Dweck found that students who were praised for intelligence gave up after a failure, while those encouraged for their hard work tried even harder to succeed. Becoming an expert encouragement coach to your little isn’t easy, especially if you were not encouraged yourself as a child. But you can start with these simple shifts. Praise: “You’re so smart. I knew you’d do well on that test.” Encouragement: “ You worked so hard to ace that test. How does it make you feel?” Praise: “I’m proud you did your homework this week.” Encouragement : “What did you do to remember to do your homework?”