The Haslett community has always supported its students, and at Wilkshire Early Childhood Center, we are dedicated to nurturing not only academic growth but also the crucial social-emotional development of our youngest learners. We believe that a strong foundation in social-emotional skills is critical for success in school and life. We've implemented a comprehensive approach to support our students in becoming confident, empathetic, and responsible people.
Filling Buckets and Building Empathy: The Power of Bucket Filling
One of our cornerstone programs is the concept of "Bucket Filling," inspired by the popular book "Have You Filled A Bucket Today." This simple yet profound idea teaches children that everyone carries an invisible bucket. When we do kind things, show respect, and help others, we are "filling" not only their buckets but our own as well. Conversely, unkind words or actions "dip" from buckets. This tangible metaphor helps our students understand the impact of their words and actions, encouraging them to be intentional in their kindness and empathy. You'll often hear our teachers and students talking about "filling buckets" throughout the day, fostering a positive and supportive classroom environment.
Clear Expectations for Positive Behavior: Our Behavior Matrix
To further guide our students, we utilize a clear and consistent Behavior Matrix. This matrix outlines expected behaviors in various settings across our school, from the classroom to the playground to the cafeteria. It visually demonstrates what "being safe," "being friendly," and "being responsible" looks like in different contexts. This proactive approach helps children understand expectations and provides a common language for both staff and students. By regularly reviewing and referencing the matrix, we empower students to make positive choices and take ownership of their behavior.
Practicing Positive Choices: Behavior Expectation Days
We believe in actively teaching and practicing desired behaviors, which is why we hold Behavior Expectation Days. These dedicated days involve engaging lessons and activities that explicitly teach and model our school rules: Be Safe, Be Friendly, and Be Responsible.. Through direct instruction, stories, and discussions, students learn practical strategies for navigating social situations, resolving conflicts, and demonstrating respect for themselves and others. These days are not about addressing negative behavior, but rather about proactively building the skills necessary for positive interactions and maintaining a safe learning environment. Our behavior expectations and our supportive social-emotional learning objectives are also reinforced daily in each classroom with a Responsive Classroom Morning Meeting.
Empowering Every Student: The Empower Class
All kindergarten and first grade students visit Empower once every four days as part of our Creative Arts rotation. Empower is a class dedicated to building Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) skills, focusing on the core competencies of Cooperation, Assertiveness, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-Control. Through engaging lessons and activities, students learn to strengthen these skills within themselves and apply them in their interactions with others.
The Empower class is a vital component of our comprehensive approach, ensuring that all students receive explicit instruction and practice in these essential life skills.
A Community-Wide Commitment
Our commitment to teach developmentally appropriate social-emotional learning at Wilkshire Early Childhood Center is a reflection of the Haslett community's dedication to the well-being and success of its youngest students. By fostering a culture of kindness, empathy, clear expectations, and intentional social and emotional skill-building, we are preparing our students not only for academic achievement but also for a lifetime of positive relationships and responsible citizenship.
