Bucket Filling & Friendship

Last week, we finished our "bucket-filling" unit. The students learned about feelings/emotions, relationships and bucket-filling.

We read,"Have you filled a bucket today?" The students brainstormed ideas on how they could be a bucket filler. Throughout the unit we also read, "Bucket filling from A to Z,"How full is your bucket?" and "Will you fill my bucket?"

We then went over rule number one of bucket filling.

1. Be a bucket filler. 

The students then created their own buckets and came up with ideas on how they can be a bucket filler. 

We then went over rule number two of bucket filling.

2. Don't Dip. 

 Before letting the students know what rule number 2 was I gave them an activity. Each group got a tube of toothpaste and some toothpicks. Each student had to try and squeeze all of the toothpaste out of the bowl. Once all the toothpaste was out, one at a time they had to use the toothpick to put the toothpaste back in the tube. The students quickly figured out that this was an impossible task. Once the toothpaste was out, it was very hard to put it back in the tube....this acts much like using hurtful words. Once we say or do something hurtful we can't take it back. We have to be careful with our words because it may be hard for someone to forgive us. 

The next day, we learned the last rule of bucket-filling. 

3. Use your lid.

What is a lid? A lid is something we use to protect our buckets. The students learned that it is important to stand up for yourself if someone is doing something that you do not like. It is also important to seek help if that doesn't work. We also learned that sometimes using your lid doesn't work and your bucket may be emptied even if no one purposely dipped in it. Sometimes we get sick, a family member may pass away or our pets run away. These are situations that we cannot control. In order for our bucket to be filled again we need time to grieve. 

Last week, we read Enemy Pie. The students learned that even if you think you someone is an enemy, if you give them a chance you may become friends! Instead of making enemy pies we made friendship pies! They were delicious.