Links:
About
the Big Sibling Program
Other similar
Big Sibling programs
Apply
to be a Big Sibling
FAQ's
for Big Sibling applicants
Apply
for a Big Sibling
Frequently
Asked Questions for family applicants
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FAQ's....for prospective Big Siblings @ MIT
• How are siblings assigned
to families?
The families choose the big sibling based on the student's
application.
• What are the expectations
of Big Siblings?
You are expected to make at least a year's commitment (September
- May, or from the time you are assigned to the little sibling to the end
of the academic year). How often you meet with the little sibling
will depend on the family's preferences and your schedule, though we would
hope that you would have contact at least once every two weeks at minimum.
Building a relationship with a little sibling takes time and it is
important for the child to have some continuity in their relationship with
you.
In the ordinary case you should not plan to spend time alone with the little
sibling. For your safety and the safety of the child, another adult
should be with you when you spend time with the little sibling. As
time goes on, we may institute procedures (e.g., a CORI and a legal release
by families) that will provide greater flexibility in your activities.
• What are some fun activities
for Big Siblings and families?
- Hanging out and playing games, doing puzzles, helping with
homework, etc. at the family's home;
-
Going to a neighborhood park together;
-
Going for a walk or a bike ride, e.g., along the Charles River,
at the Mt. Auburn Cemetary;
-
Going to the MIT Sports Center
(day passes cost $5 for kids);
-
Going to a local sporting event (tickets to Harvard and BU
games are generally affordable):
Collegiate:
MIT Athletics
Harvard Athletics
BU Athletics
Boston College Athletics
Tufts Athletics
Northeastern
Athletics
Professional:
Boston
Red Sox
Boston Celtics
Boston Bruins
Boston
Museum of Science
Omni
Theatre (IMAX)
Harvard Museum
of Natural History
New
England Aquarium
Children's Museum
Museum of Fine Arts,
MFA children's
programs.
These museums usually have special programs on school holidays. (Check
out MITAC for discount tickets!)
• If I want to take my little sibling to
a baseball game (or other event with paid admission), am I expected to pay
for the tickets?
Big Siblings will participate in family activities with
a parent or other adult present. You may suggest going to a baseball
game or other activity requiring paid admission, and if so, you should offer
to pay for your own ticket, but expect that your little sibling's ticket and
other family tickets will be paid for by the family. Of course, it
will be important to be sensitive to the financial circumstances of the family
and not suggest expensive outings that would not be within their budget.
• Are there annual get-together
events for Big Siblings at MIT?
Because the program is just beginning, we don't have a regular
schedule of events. We are hoping that once the program is up and running
we will at least have an annual picnic in the fall and another event in the
spring. During 2002-3, we will aim for a spring event. We will
keep families and big siblings posted of our plans.
• Who do we call for questions
and/or emergencies?
Of course, in any serious emergency dial 911. But
if you have questions or problems arise, you may contact any of the following:
Kristin Gunst
gunst@mit.edu
617-452-3499
Sally Haslanger
shaslang@mit.edu
617-253-4458 (weekends: 617-876-0738)
Diane Betz Tavitian
dtavit@mit.edu
w: 617-253-2138
h: 603-929-0140
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