What we do at Wood River
Wood River Elementary prides itself on being a Bucket Filling school! "What is a bucket filling school," you ask?? Great question!
The bucket filling concept for schools was designed by Carol McCloud when she wrote her first book in 2005 entitled Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids. The concept is actually very simple, which is what makes it so great for elementary age children to understand. First of all, the "bucket" represents your mental and emotional self. When your bucket is full, you are happy, confident, friendly, and positive. You are also more likely to spread happiness to others, this what is called the ripple effect. When your bucket is empty, you have very little positive thoughts and may become sad, angry, nervous, or anxious. When we have these feelings, it is easy to believe that nothing will ever go your way and your negative words can ripple to others. The level of happiness in your bucket is determined by the daily events that occur around you. Words from others and your own personal thoughts can effect how full your bucket is. If you choose to think positive thoughts, your bucket will stay full. If you think negative thoughts, your bucket will empty. Others around you are able to fill your bucket by offering a smile, saying something nice, or helping you out in some way. If you have been kind and thoughtful to others, your bucket will also fill! Not only can others fill your bucket, they can dip in your bucket too by saying or doing unkind, hurtful things. In order to keep your bucket from becoming empty and letting others dip in your bucket, it is important to know how to put and keep your "lid" on your bucket. Your lid protects the positive feelings and emotions in your bucket. As soon as you feel a negative feeling (sad, angry, hurt, embarrassed, etc...), you must stop and think about what happened and decide how to move forward in a positive way. For more information on Bucket Filling, please visit the following... |
Along with Bucket Filling, classroom guidance lessons, small group, and individuals counseling sessions are designed to incorporate the Six Pillars of Character from the Character Counts! Guidance Curriculum. Character Counts! is a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 by Michael Josephson geared toward improving the ethical quality of society. The Six Pillars of Character are the framework for Character Counts! and consists of: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. We can also use the acronym T.R.R.F.C.C. (kinda like terrific) to help us remember these very critical pillars. By instilling these valuable character qualities, we are positive learning environment and a "culture of kindness" where students feel safe to be themselves in the school environment.
For more information on Character Counts! please click on the following...
For more information on Character Counts! please click on the following...
Guidance Lessons/Small Groups/Individual Sessions
Guidance lessons are given in the library every other week and last about 25 minutes depending on the grade level and the amount of discussion that occurs. Guidance lessons are tailored to the grade/age level and focus on personal/social skill, career, and academic matters. Depending on the lesson, "homework" may be given to complete at home with parents/guardians. If the child completes the homework, they will be able to bring it to my office and dig through the treasure chest for a special prize!
Small group sessions can vary in topic depending on the need and typically range from 4-5 children from the same grade level. Students are referred to the group by teachers, parents, or the counselor. Small groups can meet once or twice a week for up to six weeks.
Individual sessions with students is based on teacher, parent, or counselor referral and is conducted on an as need basis. If the need for long term counseling is required, parents may seek need to seek additional assistance outside the school program.
Small group sessions can vary in topic depending on the need and typically range from 4-5 children from the same grade level. Students are referred to the group by teachers, parents, or the counselor. Small groups can meet once or twice a week for up to six weeks.
Individual sessions with students is based on teacher, parent, or counselor referral and is conducted on an as need basis. If the need for long term counseling is required, parents may seek need to seek additional assistance outside the school program.
References...
Bucket Fillers. (2015). Retrieved from http://bucketfillers101.com/index.php
Character Counts. (2015). Retrieved from https://charactercounts.org/program-overview/
Character Counts. (2015). Retrieved from https://charactercounts.org/program-overview/