Scholastic Inc. has launched “The Be Big in Your Community Contest” in support of CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG® and the BE BIG™ initiative. The contest calls upon kids, parents, teachers, and community leaders to submit their BIG ideas for creating positive change in their communities by demonstrating Clifford’s Big Ideas; Share, Play Fair, Have Respect, Work Together, Be Responsible, Be A Good Friend, Help Others, Be Truthful, Be Kind and Believe In Yourself. The BE BIG Fund will help bring the winning BIG idea to life by awarding one (1) Grand Prize $25,000 community grant and ten (10) runner-up $2,500 community grants to implement the winning BIG ideas via HandsOn Network local affiliate organizations. Submit your idea at http://www.scholastic.com/cliffordbebig and remember....IT ONLY TAKES A LITTLE TO BE BIG! Contest ends on June 26, 2009.

Whether you enter the contest or not, you should definitely check out Clifford's page at the Scholastic website where you can learn how to incorporate BIG actions into your every day life. You'll also find wonderful activities to do with your kids that will help instill good values. One of my favorite Big Ideas is Believe in Yourself. Start sentences with I CAN and I WILL instead of I CAN'T or I WON'T! The Clifford site lists various fun activities that you can do with your children to build their confidence. Truly, this is a wonderful site that provides valuable lessons for adults and kids alike!