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 Match Event- Easy- Peasy Quilt Block On Wednesday, May 6 th at 4:00 pm, we will host a Virtual Event on Facebook Live for matches to work together to help make a BBBS quilt. BBBS will provide a small packet of items that we would ask Bigs to pick up from the BBBS office (a bin outside) as the time approaches. The only additional supplies that you will need are: Sewing Needle Thread (Black Preferred) Straight Pins (if you don’t have the above items, let us know when you sign up to participate)  We will be preparing the packets as our supplies come in. Kyle will respond via email to everyone who has signed up letting them know when they can pick up supplies.  After all the squares are completed, you will drop them off to the BBBS office porch. Once all squares are collected, they will be joined together as a tangible representation of the how our matches stayed connected during COVID-19. To sign up, please Click Here. If you have any questions, please email Kyle at kchristensen@bbbsidaho.org .

What Does Your Match Mean to You? We want to know why your match is important to you. Please consider making a short video that answers one or more of the following questions. Email your videos or any technical questions to Victoria at vbenoit@bbbsidaho.org . 1.What do you miss most about your Little?  2. What do you think will be the first thing you do when you meet in person again?  3. How has being a Big helped you DURING these times?  4. What would you like to say to people on the fence about becoming a Big or on the fence about donating to our organization?  Thank You Signs If you or your Little would like to thank health care workers, other essential workers, or anyone else who has helped you recently, you can make a sign and drop it off at our office at 7609 Emerald St. in Boise and we will put them out in front of the building. .

Letter Writing Ideas Make a booklet using just paper and scissors. Choose a secret code to write your letters. Co-Author a Story:  Consider starting a story of any kind, mailing or emailing it to your Little, and asking him/her to fill in the next section or chapter (or even just the next paragraph or line!) and send it back to you. Send it back and forth as long as you can keep it going!

Ideas from Bigs

Spencer used the whiteboard on Zoom in the photo to play Tic Tac Toe. You can use it to play any game that would usually use paper and pen. Color on page of a coloring book, then send it to the other to color the half. Repeat. Help your Little brainstorm Mother's Day gifts. Talk about coupon ideas to give to Mom like "Redeem for on free vacuum of the house". Play Draw Something together, a free app like Pictionary. 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: Are you and/or your Little feeling anxious? Practice the 5-4-3-2-1 Coping Technique together. Play Scattegories Give each other a home tour. Pick different topics like the quietest place in the house, the place you spend the most time, your favorite food currently in the refrigerator, etc. House of cards challenge- see who can build the biggest house of card in a set amount of time. Here is a tutorial to get you started.

Parent/Guardian Resources Q&A with a teacher Did you miss the Q&A with Steve Elsensohn, a local math teacher? Watch it here or read the transcript here . He gives suggestions on what to do if you are feeling overwhelmed with online learning, fun ways to encourage learning, and more. 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.

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?”