|
What are bucket fillers?
"Bucket fillers" are those who help without being asked, give hugs and compliments, and generally spread their love and good feelings to others. The simple metaphor of a bucket helps even preschoolers understand the importance of consideration and love, particularly towards those who bully.
"Bucket dippers" rob us of happy feelings by refusing to help with a task or by saying or doing cruel things. The challenging problem of "bullying" or "bucket dipping" usually rears its ugly head in the first few weeks of school. Why not address it in a positive, concrete manner through our book or our assemblies?
Bucket Filling in Our Classroom
Every year I begin by discussing classroom rules and expectations with my students. During this time I will also introduce the concept of bucket filling and bucket dipping.
I have purchased 3 books to help with the introduction. I will read them throughout the first week of school.
When our buckets are full, we are happy; when they are empty, we are sad. It is important that students learn that when they fill a friend's bucket,
they also fill their own bucket because it feels good to make others happy. At this time, we also introduce the concept of being a bucket dipper.
A bucket dipper is a person who hurts other people's feelings, essentially dipping into their invisible bucket. Since bullying is a common problem in schools,
the concept of bucket dippers is often referred to as bullying.
To promote the act of bucket filling in our class, each student is given his or her own 'real bucket'. The buckets are kept in a pocket chart on the bulletin board by our door.
Bucket filler cards will also be stored in the pockets. When a student fills a classmate's invisible bucket, the student can write a bucket filler note. We will read bucket
filler notes every Wednesday afternoon.
Goals
1. To teach children how to reach out and express love, respect and appreciation to others
2. To help children become other-centered rather than self-centered
3. To help children express their feelings (good and bad) in a healthy manner
4. To help children understand where feelings originate and how to protect their feelings from being hurt
5. To establish a framework for more constructive words and actions and less bullying
6. To create more positive home and school environments
Concepts Learned
Bucket Filling (showing love and respect for others)
Bucket Dipping (bullying)
Sources: BucketFillers101.com, B. Newingham & Mrs. Walker.
|
