The movie The Bucket List is creating quite a stir. Since it is based on two cancer patients wanting to get more gusto from life before they kick the bucket, people are starting to think about their own lives and what they want to accomplish. I've heard the expression "kick the bucket" my whole life but never really put a lot of thought into it. There are so many old expressions that aren't really used as much anymore and cause strange looks on children's faces when they hear them for the first time. Talking about feeling old!
I can see educators jumping on the bandwagon with The Bucket Theory. "Let's add to our students' buckets. Just follow these boring steps to make sure all students have full buckets." I guess I've sat through a few too many inservices based on new theories that are really old!
It does make me think about all of the things I want to do. I announced to my family that I want to learn to play the guitar this year. It just seems like fun. Jumping out of an airplane doesn't rock my boat. Mountain climbing? I don't think so. I guess some people have more in their buckets than others.
Some enterprising soul will probably start selling buckets with little items that can be written on and placed in the bucket. Then, when the goal is accomplished, the object could be displayed proudly on the fireplace mantel or refrigerator for all to see. There could even be bucket teacher jewelry. "Okay, I get my earrings if all of you turn in your work! All of the other teachers already have theirs. Come on! Help me out!"
It's not a bad thought to think of things that one really wants to do and to implement them if possible. This is kind of an extension to the New Year's resolutions that a lot of us make. It would be a great activity to have students write about what they really want to do in their lifetimes. They should include things that they consider a challenge but doable.
For me, playing the guitar and finishing a book I am writing with one of my teacher friends are placed squarely in my bucket. I hope to do both this year. We'll see. Saying it out loud does make me a little more committed. Now, where is that bucket?