The Haslett community has always supported its students, and at Wilkshire Early Childhood Center, they are dedicated to nurturing not only academic growth but also the crucial social-emotional development of our youngest learners. A strong foundation in social-emotional skills is critical for success in school and life, and Wilkshire has implemented a comprehensive approach to support students in becoming confident, empathetic, and responsible people.
Filling Buckets and Building Empathy: The Power of Bucket Filling
One of the 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 students understand the impact of their words and actions, encouraging them to be intentional in their kindness and empathy. You'll often hear teachers and students talking about "filling buckets" throughout the day, fostering a positive and supportive classroom environment.
Clear Expectations for Positive Behavior
The Behavior Matrix further guides students by outlining expected behaviors in various settings across the 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, students are empowered to make positive choices and take ownership of their behavior.
Practicing Positive Choices: Behavior Expectation Days
Behavior Expectation Days are dedicated days that involve engaging lessons and activities that explicitly teach and model 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. Behavior expectations and 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 the 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 a comprehensive approach, ensuring that all students receive explicit instruction and practice in these essential life skills.
A Community-Wide Commitment
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, students are being prepared not only for academic achievement but also for a lifetime of positive relationships and responsible citizenship.
Recent Stories:
Zander Bowles, a former student in Ingham ISD’s SAIL program, has become a passionate and persistent advocate for accessibility in local government—attending city council meetings, advising on public facility updates, and volunteering across the community.
Haslett Public Schools’ Wilkshire Early Childhood Center is setting an example for what’s possible when a school team dedicates itself to building strong systems for students and families. Their staff has invested countless hours into this work, reviewing data, collaborating on goals, and engaging in professional development alongside Ingham ISD’s PBIS and School Improvement coaches. This partnership ensures Wilkshire’s efforts are intentional, sustainable, and always centered on student success. The result is a program worth celebrating and one we hope inspires other schools across the region.
