Book Review: How Full Is Your Bucket?

I wanted to share this review by Heidi Larson, Chair of the Teachers Section of the American Montessori Society Board of Directors.

"As Montessori teachers, we have a unique opportunity to foster the development of the whole child, including the mind, body, and spirit. To that end, I’ve recently worked a new book into my curriculum; it’s entitled How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids and was written by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer.

It tells a simple story about a child named Felix and how he learns a social lesson regarding his interactions with others throughout his day. At the end of the story, he becomes more aware of his feelings and how they reflect his behavior with others. I highly recommend this book for all age levels when teaching moral development. But this is also a book for adults; it can guide you, as a teacher, through your own personal bucket-filling experience. I personally found that children are able to use the visual concept of a full or empty bucket to express their own feelings and experiences. Recently, a younger child in my classroom sat down next to me in circle and whispered to me very quietly, “You are my favorite teacher, Heidi. I bet your bucket is really full to the top now!” I just smiled and thanked him. That day, my bucket was indeed full."

Click on the link above to go to the Amazon page for this book. When you order through this link, the school receives a small commission, and you enjoy the same Amazon price, service, and shipping.