How many buckets did I fill today is a question I ask myself as I drive home after a long and busy day. No, I am not talking about buckets on a sandy beach! I am referring to the “invisible bucket” that everyone carries along with them while at school, work, home and anywhere else they may go.
To better understand what I mean, you could ask anyone at Monterey Elementary School or simply read, Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids written by Carol McCloud. This children’s book is a wonderful story that encourages children to fill someone’s bucket by way of a kind word or deed. Building upon very basic principles, McCloud’s book is a fine example of how to teach civility by encouraging adults to model “bucket filling”.
The Monterey Elementary School community has embraced the culture of “bucket filling” as the foundation of their school-wide respect plan. The teachers and administrators model and use language that is associated with being a “bucket filler” as opposed to being a “bucket dipper”. Bucket dippers by the way, are bullies or individuals that seem to enjoy conflict. I was amazed to see how even the youngest of students understood the concept of filling a bucket. Happy faces and brightly colored pictures of smiling tin buckets that share a rainbow of brightly colored stars and hearts are among a few things that introduce newcomers to the school culture.
As educators, it is our responsibility to fill every child’s bucket every chance we have. You may agree that filling one’s bucket makes you feel good which in turn fills your bucket!
Pay it forward, share the wealth, extend a helping hand, fill a bucket…
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Scenic Roanoke is located in the southwestern portion of the state of Virginia. The "Star City", as it is often called, is one of the largest metropolitan areas and transportation hubs that is located between the Blue Ridge and Alleghaney Highlands.
(Not pictured above)