What is Bucket Filler?

The metaphor by Doctor Donald O. Clifton regarding the bucket and the dipper has inspired the use of bucket fillers in the school and classroom settings.  Merrill Lundgreen was the first person to implement this idea in schools. This concept is based on the thought that everyone has an invisible bucket that holds her feelings.  If the bucket is empty, people feel sad.  If it is full, they are happy. 

Several books have been written about bucket fillers. Carol McCloud wrote a book called "Have You Filled A Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness For Kids".  The premise of the book is the idea that we all carry an invisible bucket that contains our feelings.  When our bucket is full, we feel great. When our bucket is empty, we feel sad.  A bucket filler is someone who says or does nice things for other people.  By doing this, they are filling other people's buckets and filling their own bucket at the same time.

On the other hand, a bucket dipper says or does things to cause other people to feel bad. A bucket dipper empties their bucket when they say and do mean things.

How Does The Bucket Filler Program Work At Oakmont?

The Bucket Filler program at Oakmont has four main components:

1 - During the first week of school, the principal visits every classroom to read the story "How Full Is Your Bucket?" to the class and lead a discussion about what it means to be a Bucket Filler.  Our focus on doing good for others and making positive choices starts on Day 1.  We have three rules at Oakmont: Oakmont Owls are always act with kindness, integrity, and responsibility.

2 - Throughout the year, students are randomly recognized by adults on campus when they are caught filling someone's bucket, either by an act of kindness, showing integrity, or being responsible.  These students receive Bucket Filler slips, which include a small note about why the student was recognized.  One copy goes home with the student, and the other goes into a bucket in the office.  Bucket Filler slips help us not only recognize the student, but also communicate their positive actions with their family.

3 - Each week, two Bucket Filler slips from each grade level span (TK/K, 1st-3rd, and 4th-6th) are pulled from the bucket and those students are recognized in the Owl Hoot for their positive behavior.  Students chosen receive a special wristband and get to lead the line and sit with friends at a special Bucket Filler table at lunch.  Additionally, four Bucket Filler slips are drawn for students to get a free book to keep from the book vending machine in the library.

4 - Every other month, all students come together for a Bucket Filler assembly.  Students and staff celebrate a month full of acts of kindness and great behavior with music and dancing, and ten students are randomly chosen to receive an invitation to a pizza lunch with the principal.  Five additional students are drawn for a free book from the book vending machine.

Our goal is to let students know that their actions are noticed and appreciated.  Our staff members also strive to be Bucket Fillers and lead by example, so don't hesitate to let them know if they fill your bucket while you're on campus!

Interested in getting your own copy of the book?  It's available at any bookstore.