Teacher Script: Cheer On Your Crew

Warm-Up: Share a Shine (5 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to start with a 'Share a Shine' warm-up. I want each of you to take a moment to think about something good that happened to you recently. It could be big, like winning a game, or small, like finding a cool rock on your way to school. Something that made you smile! Don't share yet, just think about it for a moment."

"Okay, now, when I say go, I want you to turn to a partner and share your 'shine' with them. Listen carefully to your partner's good news, and be ready to give them a quick high-five or a 'that's awesome!' Are you ready? Go!"

(Allow 2-3 minutes for sharing. Bring the class back together.)

"Wonderful! It's great to hear about all the good things happening. How did it feel to share your good news? (Pause for responses) And how did it feel to hear your friend's good news? (Pause for responses) Today, we're going to talk more about how we can make our friends feel good, just like sharing your 'shines' did!"

Introduction: What is Encouragement? (5 minutes)

"Look at our first slide: Cheer On Your Crew Slide Deck. Our lesson today is all about being a great friend and helping our 'crew' feel awesome. What do you think it means to encourage someone? Turn and tell your partner one idea."

(Listen for responses like 'cheer them on,' 'tell them they can do it,' 'make them feel good.')

"Exactly! Encouragement is about giving support, confidence, or hope to someone. It's telling them, 'You've got this!' or 'I believe in you!' Why do you think it's important to encourage our friends?"

(Listen for responses like 'it makes them feel happy,' 'helps them try harder,' 'makes them feel brave.')

"Those are all excellent points! Encouraging our friends helps them feel stronger, happier, and more confident. Now, we're going to watch a short video from someone who knows a lot about saying powerful, positive things. This is Kid President! Pay attention to the things he says we should say more often. What are some of those things that encourage others?"

(Show the Kid President Video - 3 minutes)

"Wow! Kid President has some amazing ideas, doesn't he? What were some of your favorite things he said that we should say more often? How can those words encourage our friends?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion, connecting Kid President's message to the idea of encouragement and positive friendship.)

Read Aloud: Have You Filled a Bucket Today? (10 minutes)

"Kid President talked about filling the world with good, and today, we're going to read a book that talks about something similar: filling buckets! Has anyone ever read Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud?"

(Introduce the book and begin reading. As you read, pause at key moments to ask questions related to the Bucket Filling Discussion Guide.)

"At the beginning, what does the book say everyone carries? (An invisible bucket!) What happens when our bucket is full? (We feel happy!) What about when it's empty? (We feel sad or bad.) Who can be a bucket filler? (Everyone!)"

"When a character says something kind or does something helpful, ask: 'Is this person filling a bucket or dipping from a bucket? How do you know?'"

"When a character acts unkindly, ask: 'What just happened to someone's bucket? How do you think that person feels? What could they have done instead to fill a bucket?'"

"Towards the end, ask: 'What are some specific ways the book suggests we can fill others' buckets? How do these ideas connect to encouraging our friends?"

(After finishing the book:)

"So, what did we learn about being a bucket filler? How does filling someone else's bucket also help fill your own?"

Activity: Class “Encouragement Wall” (10 minutes)

"That book taught us that our words and actions can really affect others, either filling their bucket or dipping from it. Now, we're going to put our bucket-filling skills into action! We're going to create a Class 'Encouragement Wall'."

"On your desk, you'll find some sticky notes. I want you to think about someone in our class. It could be anyone! And then, write a positive affirmation or a compliment for them on a sticky note. Think about something specific you admire about them, something they do well, or a kind quality they have. For example, you might write, 'You are a super creative artist!' or 'I appreciate how you always help others.'"

"Remember: These notes are anonymous, meaning you don't need to put your name. The goal is just to spread kindness and fill buckets! Once you've written your note, you'll quietly come up and place it on our designated Class Encouragement Wall."

(Distribute sticky notes and markers. Monitor students as they write and place notes. Encourage quiet and thoughtful participation.)

"Look at our wall! It's already full of wonderful messages. How does it feel to see all these positive words for our classmates? (Pause for responses) It feels good to know people are thinking kind thoughts about us, doesn't it?"

Worksheet: Bucket Filler Fun (5 minutes)

"Now that we've filled our physical encouragement wall, let's think about how we can keep filling buckets every day. I'm going to hand out the Bucket Filler Worksheet. On this worksheet, I want you to list specific ways you can encourage your friends and other people in your life. Think about what we learned from the book and from Kid President."

(Distribute worksheets. Give clear instructions and monitor students as they work. Provide examples if needed.)

"Take a few minutes to write down as many ideas as you can. What are some actions or words that really fill someone's bucket?"

Game: Celebration Charades (5 minutes)

"Alright, let's get moving with a fun game called 'Celebration Charades'! I have some slips of paper here, and on each one is an action or a way to celebrate or encourage someone. For example, it might say 'giving a high-five' or 'cheering for a teammate'."

"I'm going to divide you into two teams. One person from a team will come up, pick a slip, and silently act out what's written on it. Your team will have one minute to guess! The team with the most correct guesses wins. Remember, no talking from the person acting!"

(Divide the class into teams. Explain the rules of Celebration Charades Game and facilitate the game. Ensure everyone has a chance to participate or guess.)

"Great job, everyone! That was a lot of fun, and it showed us many different ways we can celebrate and encourage each other, even without words!"

Wrap-Up & Cool Down: One Encouraging Word (5 minutes)

"We're almost out of time, but before we go, I want to do one final 'Cool Down' activity called One Encouraging Word."

"I want each of you to think about one word that describes how you feel when you encourage a friend, or how you feel when a friend encourages you. What's that one feeling word? We'll go around the room and share our words."

(Go around the room, allowing each student to share their word. Affirm their responses.)

"Excellent words, everyone. 'Happy,' 'proud,' 'loved,' 'connected' – these are all wonderful feelings that come from being a good friend and cheering on your crew! Remember, a simple word or action can make a huge difference in someone's day."

"As an extra challenge, you can also check out the Friendship Builders Project Guide for an awesome project you can do at home or during free time to keep these ideas going. Thanks for being such amazing bucket fillers today!"

Share a Shine!

Think about something good that happened to you recently! It could be something big or something small. It could be something you did, something someone did for you, or something you saw.

Take a moment to remember that good thing. How did it make you feel?

Now, turn to a partner and share your "shine" with them. Listen carefully to their story, and be ready to give them a quick high-five or a positive comment like, "That's awesome!" or "Way to go!"

When we come back together, be ready to share how it felt to share your good news and to hear your friend's good news!

One Encouraging Word

Take a moment to think about everything we discussed today about encouraging and supporting friends, and how we can fill each other's buckets.

Now, think of one word that describes how you feel when you encourage a friend, or how you feel when a friend encourages you.

What is that one powerful feeling word?

My encouraging word is:

My Bucket Filler Actions!

We learned today that everyone carries an invisible bucket. When we do or say kind things, we fill buckets! When we are unkind, we dip from buckets.

Think about your friends, family, and classmates. What are some specific ways you can be a bucket filler for them? List at least 5 ideas below!

Encouragement Superpowers!

Encouraging friends means helping them feel brave, happy, and confident. What are 3 specific encouraging phrases you can say to a friend who might be feeling down or trying something new?

Celebrate Success!

How can you celebrate when a friend does something awesome? Describe one way you would show your excitement for a friend who achieved a goal.

Discussion Guide: Filling Buckets with Kindness

Use these questions during and after reading Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud to deepen student understanding of encouragement and support.

During Reading Questions:

• Page 1 (Introduction of buckets): "What does the book say everyone carries? (An invisible bucket!) What happens when our bucket is full? (We feel happy!) What about when it's empty? (We feel sad or bad.)"
• As specific actions occur in the story: "Is this person filling a bucket or dipping from a bucket? How do you know? What words or actions are they using?"
• When an unkind action occurs: "What just happened to someone's bucket? How do you think that person feels? What could they have done instead to fill a bucket?"
• When a kind action occurs: "How do you think the person whose bucket was filled feels? How do you think the bucket filler feels?"

Post-Reading Discussion Questions:

1. "What does it mean to be a 'bucket filler'? Can anyone be a bucket filler?"
2. "The book talks about how our words and actions can affect others. Can you think of a time when someone filled your bucket? How did it make you feel?"
3. "Can you think of a time when you accidentally (or on purpose) dipped from someone's bucket? How do you think they felt? What did you learn from that experience?"
4. "The book says that when you fill someone else's bucket, you also fill your own. What does that mean? How does helping others make us feel good?"
5. "What are some specific, practical ways you can fill a classmate's bucket tomorrow? What about a family member's bucket?"
6. "How does filling someone's bucket connect to our lesson on encouraging and supporting friends?"
7. "What if someone is having a bad day and keeps dipping from others' buckets? How can we still be bucket fillers for them, or help them understand?"

The Encouragement Wall: Spreading Positive Vibes!

Objective: To practice giving and receiving positive affirmations and compliments, fostering a supportive classroom environment.

Materials:

• Large piece of construction paper or poster board (labeled "Our Class Encouragement Wall")
• Sticky notes
• Markers or pens

Instructions for Students:

1. Think of a Friend: Look around the classroom. Think about one classmate. It could be someone you work with often, someone who always makes you laugh, or someone you admire for a special talent or kindness.
   
   
2. Write a Positive Message: On a sticky note, write a positive affirmation, a compliment, or a message of encouragement for that classmate. Be specific! Instead of just "You are nice," try "I really like how you share your ideas during group work!" or "You are a super creative artist!" or "Thanks for always being so kind to everyone."
   • Examples:
     • "You have amazing ideas!"
     • "I admire your perseverance."
     • "You always make me laugh."
     • "Thanks for helping me with the math problem."
     • "Your creativity inspires me."
   • Remember: Your message should be anonymous. You don't need to write your name on the sticky note.
     
     
3. Add to the Wall: When you are finished, quietly come up and stick your positive message onto the "Our Class Encouragement Wall." Try to spread them out so everyone has a chance to see kind words written for them.
   
   
4. Read and Reflect: Once all the notes are up, take a few minutes to walk by the wall and read the messages. How does it feel to see so many positive words? If you see a note that you think might be for you, or one that just makes you feel good, reflect on that feeling.

Discussion Points (After the activity):

• How did it feel to write a kind message for someone else?
  
  
• How does it feel to see so many positive messages on the wall?
  
  
• Why is it important to share encouragement with our friends and classmates?
  
  
• How can we make sure to keep this feeling of encouragement going in our classroom every day?

Celebration Charades: Act It Out!

Objective: To physically express and recognize different ways we celebrate and encourage others in a fun, interactive game.

Materials:

• Slips of paper with various celebration/encouragement actions written on them (see list below)
• A hat or bowl to hold the slips
• Timer (optional)

Setup:

1. Prepare slips of paper with the actions listed below (or create your own!). Fold them and place them in a hat or bowl.
2. Divide the class into two or more teams.

How to Play:

1. Choose a Player: One player from a team comes to the front and picks a slip of paper from the hat.
   
   
2. Act it Out: The player must silently act out the action written on the slip of paper. No talking, no sounds, and no pointing to objects in the room!
   
   
3. Team Guesses: The player's team tries to guess the action within a set time limit (e.g., 1 minute).
   
   
4. Score Points: If the team guesses correctly within the time limit, they earn a point. If not, the other team gets a chance to guess (or the turn passes).
5. New Player: A new player from the next team takes a turn.
6. Continue: Play continues until all slips are used or time runs out. The team with the most points wins!

Action Ideas for Slips:

• Giving a high-five
• Clapping for someone
• Giving a thumbs up
• Cheering for a sports team
• Giving a warm hug (acted, not actual!)
• Smiling broadly at someone
• Offering a helping hand
• Saying "You can do it!" (silently mouthing)
• Giving a pat on the back
• Holding up a "Great Job!" sign
• Standing up and cheering
• Waving enthusiastically
• Giving a fist bump
• Drawing a happy face for someone
• Giving a happy dance
• Making a "winner" gesture (arms in air)
• Shaking someone's hand in congratulations
• Pointing to someone and giving a positive nod

After the Game Discussion:

• "What was your favorite action to guess or act out?"
  
  
• "Which of these actions do you use most often to encourage your friends?"
  
  
• "Can you think of other ways to celebrate or encourage that we didn't act out?"

Answer Key: Quiz: Be a Buddy, Not a Bully

Here are the answers and explanations for the quiz questions:

Question 1: What does it mean to encourage a friend?

Correct Answer: To help them feel brave and confident.

• Thought Process: Encouragement is all about building someone up. When you encourage a friend, you are giving them positive support and making them feel like they can succeed, even if something is hard. The other options describe unkind or unhelpful actions.

Question 2: According to the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, how do you feel when your bucket is full?

Correct Answer: Happy

• Thought Process: The book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? uses the idea of an invisible bucket to represent our feelings. When our bucket is full of kind words and actions from ourselves and others, we feel happy and good about ourselves.

Question 3: Name one specific thing you can say to a friend to encourage them.

Correct Answer: Varies (e.g., "You can do it!", "I believe in you!", "Great job!", "Keep trying!")

• Thought Process: There are many ways to encourage a friend! The key is to use words that are positive and supportive, letting them know you are on their side and believe in their abilities or efforts.

Question 4: Which of these actions helps to fill someone's bucket?

Correct Answer: Sharing your toys.

• Thought Process: Sharing is an act of kindness and generosity. When you share, you are being thoughtful and considerate, which makes the other person feel valued and happy, thus filling their bucket. The other actions (ignoring, calling names, pushing) are examples of 'bucket dipping.'

Question 5: Describe a time when someone encouraged you. How did it make you feel?

Correct Answer: Varies (Students should describe a personal experience and their feelings).

• Thought Process: This question asks for a personal reflection. Students should recall a specific instance where a friend, family member, or teacher offered them encouragement. They should then describe the positive emotions or renewed confidence they felt because of that encouragement. This helps them connect the concept of encouragement to their own experiences.

Project Guide: Friendship Builders!

Objective: To creatively demonstrate understanding of encouragement and support in friendships through a personalized project.

Introduction: We've learned a lot about what it means to be a supportive and encouraging friend. Now, it's your turn to become a