Second graders in Mrs. Feldman’s class at Garden City’s Stratford Avenue School began the school year by learning what it means to be a “bucket filler” through the book “How Full Is Your Bucket?” by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer. Students discovered that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone else’s day.

After reading the story, students brainstormed ways they can fill someone’s bucket and created their own buckets, filling them with ideas for spreading positivity. From sharing and including others to using good manners and showing kindness, students learned that there are countless ways to make someone feel happy, valued and cared for.

Each day, Mrs. Feldman’s second graders challenge themselves to fill as many “buckets” as they can, not only in their classroom but throughout the school and beyond. Whether it’s inviting someone to join a game, offering a helping hand, giving a compliment or simply making someone smile, students are discovering that small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

The class encourages everyone at Stratford and beyond to ask themselves: How can I fill someone’s bucket today?

The class also ends each Friday afternoon with a special tradition called Campfire Friday. Students gather around their classroom “campfire” to reflect on the week and make meaningful connections with one another before heading into the weekend. As Cocoa the S’more is passed around, each student gets a chance to share and be heard. It’s a special way for the class to celebrate their week together and strengthen the sense of community that makes their classroom feel like a family.

Through bucket filling and Campfire Fridays, Mrs. Feldman’s students are learning that kindness, connection and taking time for one another can help create a caring classroom community.