Are you a bucket filler or a bucket dipper? I recently came across this concept when I read these two books. “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” and “Fill a Bucket” by Carol McCloud.
In a new twist on the Golden Rule, Have You Filled a Bucket Today? explains to children that we all carry an invisible bucket in which we keep our feelings about ourselves. When our buckets are full, we are happy; when they are empty, we are sad. It's important to know that we can fill our own bucket and so can others. We can also dip into it.
"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.
From the website Bucket Fillers
You can read more about this wonderful program at the Bucket Fillers website.
When I read the books to my grandsons, ages 4 and 2, they “got” this concept immediately. They asked to read the books again and again. As we read other books and ‘real-life’ situations arose, the boys responded with bucket words. “Grandma, his bucket is empty. He is sad. He needs someone to fill up his bucket with kind words.” Or, “Her bucket is full because she is being nice.” It has helped them to verbalize feelings and identify appropriate actions in their own play as well.
This concept can even be put into action in the classroom. Take a look at how Beth Newingham used it in her 3rd grade classroom. Here is another look in Mrs. Walker's Frog-Tastic 4th grade.
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