mit

Big Sibling Program
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Ave, 50-005 Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
ph: 617-253-7990, 617-452-3499

dtavit@mit.edu, gunst@mit.edu

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



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
  • Going to a movie;
  • Going to the MIT Museum;

  • Going to another local museum:

    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






mit Copyright © Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Comments and feedback about this web site to
shaslang@mit.edu

The page was last modified on Thursday, November 14, 2002