Bucket Fillers

Has your child come home saying he is a bucket filler or that someone helped fill her bucket today?  Are you wondering what that means?

This year I am using a new character development program called Bucket Filling.  The idea of Bucket Fillers is based on the book "Have You Filled A Bucket Today?  A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids" by Carol McCloud.  The premise of the book is ... We all carry an invisible bucket that holds our good thoughts and feelings.  When our buckets are full, we feel happy and when our buckets are empty, we feel sad.  A bucket filler is someone who says or does nice things for other people. By doing this, they are filling their own bucket at the same time.  On the other hand, a bucket dipper says or does things to cause other people to feel bad.  A bucket dipper empties their bucket when they say and do mean things.  
During the first day of school the children are introduced to a book called Have You Filled a Bucket Today?  A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids.    Examples are given so that children learn ways to help others at home and school. 

In our classroom, each child will be getting a bucket.  Everyone (including myself) is encouraged to fill the buckets by writing kind words and compliments to each other.  They can also write down nice things that have been said or done for them. This will also be used as part of my writing program.  On Fridays, we will empty our baskets, read the papers, and take them home.  Everyone will get at least 2 per week.

 I have always been a strong believer in the importance of building community and being a school family, so this brings my efforts to light in a tangible way.  The best message of all is the affirmation that giving not only helps the receiver but the mere act of giving also benefits the giver.

  If you would like to learn more about bucket filling, visit the Bucket Fillers website, www.bucketfillers.com.  Bucket Fillers offers a free weekly e-newsletter for parents and teachers.