Creating a classroom culture filled with kindness and respect is something we work on from day one. One of my favourite ways to set this tone is by introducing the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud.

"Have You Filled a Bucket Today? book used to teach kindness and respect"

The “bucket filling” concept from this story makes a powerful and easy-to-understand classroom management strategy that lasts all year long.

What is Bucket Filling?

The book explains that everyone has an invisible bucket. When our buckets are full, we feel happy and confident. When they’re empty, we feel sad or discouraged.

  • We fill buckets by being kind and respectful.
  • We dip buckets when we say or do unkind things.

It’s a simple concept that even our youngest learners can understand, making it the perfect tool for building a positive classroom environment.

"Bucket filler classroom bulletin board display with student envelopes for kindness notes"
"Bucket filler classroom bulletin board display with student envelopes for kindness notes"

Setting Classroom Expectations

Early in the year, I like to brainstorm with my students what bucket filler and bucket dipper behaviours look like. Together, we sort examples into each category. This helps set clear classroom expectations right from the start.

"Teacher-led discussion on positive classroom behaviours with bucket filler chart"

Fun Bucket Filler Activities

Here are some activities that reinforce the bucket filler message and keep kindness at the centre of your classroom:

  1. Bucket Filler Freebie Activity
    Download my free bucket filler activity here – perfect for helping students practise recognising bucket filler vs. bucket dipper behaviours.
  2. Class Bucket with Pom Poms
    I keep a central class bucket and add pom poms whenever I catch students being kind. They love working together to fill the bucket, and it becomes a powerful motivator.
  3. Bulletin Board Display
    Create a display with a bucket for each student. Use envelopes or zip lock bags as “mini buckets” where classmates can drop positive notes. Not only are students practising kindness, but they’re also building letter-writing skills.
  4. Student Reflections
    Encourage students to reflect weekly: How did I fill someone’s bucket this week? How did someone fill mine? These reflections build self-awareness and empathy.
"Bucket filler freebie printable worksheet for classroom management"
"Bucket filler and bucket dipper behaviour sorting activity for classroom expectations"
"Students writing bucket filler notes to classmates as part of kindness activity"
"Bucket filler and bucket dipper behaviour sorting activity for classroom expectations"

Why It Works

Bucket filling turns abstract ideas like kindness, respect, and community into something tangible. Students can see, feel, and track their positive choices, making classroom management smoother and more encouraging.

👉 Don’t forget to grab your FREE Bucket Filler Activity to get started today!

BUY THE FULL RESOURCE HERE

Extend the Fun with Related Activities

If you loved these bucket filler activities, you might also enjoy:

These resources complement your bucket filler activities and help create a positive, engaging classroom environment from day one.

Visit Little Learner Hub to find more great teaching resources!

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