While teaching focuses on providing academic instruction, educators understand the importance of teaching students other “life skills” that help them become good citizens who care for and respect each other. After all, a school is a learning community and the success of all students requires the combined efforts of staff and students.
After reading “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” by Carol McCloud, my 3rd grade students have become “bucket fillers”. What are “bucket fillers”? I’m glad you asked!
The author uses the “bucket filler” metaphor to explain that everyone has an invisible bucket which can either be filled or dipped into. The purpose of the invisible bucket is to "hold your good thoughts and good feelings about yourself.” When your bucket is full, you are happy.But when you are sad, your bucket is empty. The choices you make help you fill or empty your bucket. The author explains what happens when people make bad choices. By making a bad choice, you dip into someone else’s happiness. You empty their bucket and, subsequently, empty your own.
After reading the book, the students listed attributes of both “bucket fillers” & “bucket dippers”.
Now when students come into class, they can fill out a form indicating how they filled their bucket at home or at school. It’s important for students to reflect on their actions to help them feel good about themselves, as well as understand the impact they have on other people’s lives. Students can see how kind acts, no matter how small, make a difference to someone else.
As you can see, the students are off to a good start!
Click here for more information about Bucket Fillers http://www.bucketfillers101.com/have-you-filled-a-bucket-today.php
No comments:
Post a Comment