Introduction for BIGS

v. 4/24/12

Thank you for participating!

What is Thriving? Forward, purposeful motion towards achieving one’s full potential.

What is Step-It-Up-2-Thrive?•Exciting national program•Cutting edge science •Skills to reach for full potential•Research-based activities that are fun and useful!

Helps you learn about Step-It-Up-2-Thrive

Materials and tools

Suggested activities

All of this and more available at bbbs.stepitup2thrive.org username/password: stepitup/thriving

Your Bigs’ Binder

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Look for these in your binder…

What are Sparks?Those inner passions, interests & talents that start the drive for personal growth.

Start the Engine With Sparks!

2/3s of youth know their spark by age 10.

Just 1/3 of those

youth have spark

champions.

What is a Sparks Champion?Someone who offers encouragement to youth to develop their spark,Someone who offers expertise in that spark, Or someone who helps the youth make connections in the community to help grow their spark.

Read “Be a Spark Champion” article!

Sparks Materials in the Bigs’ Binder

Sparks Ideas

Conversation Guide

Sparks Champion Mapping

Sparks interview guide

Let’s “Rev it Up”With a Growth Mindset!

Fixed Mindset:Belief that intelligence, abilities or personality are primarily fixed or inherited.

Growth Mindset:Belief that intelligence, abilities or personality are primarily grown through effort.

Attend Group Activity I:

Sparks & Growth Mindset Activity

Tune into your Gas Gauge!Thriving Indicators and Risk Factors

The Thriving WheelIncludes 6 C’s of Positive Youth Development and what thriving looks like in each of those areas.

Risk factors that could get in their way in the road ahead.

Remind Little that he or she has a choice about all of these (except for Littles with an unhealthy family environment).

Risk Factors Wheel

Goal Management Skills (GPS): Launch Navigation System

G: Goal Selection: Where am I going?

P: Pursuit of Strategies: How do I get there?

S: Shifting Gears: When the going gets tough!

Attend Group Activity 2:

Thriving and GPS Activity

Next Steps

What three activities will you plan to do with your Little over the next 30 days to explore and/or develop their spark?

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Sparks Plan

Recommended!Articles to check out in the Bigs’ Binder:

Thriving in Youth Growing Aspiration in Tough Environments Be a Sparks Champion

Billy Elliot video clip

bbbs.stepitup2thrive.org username/password: stepitup/thriving

Call anytime you have questions or need support!

You’re not in this alone!

Sports

coaches

Teachers

Youth center

workers

Other Spark

Champions

You

Your Little

ParentMatch Support Specialist