This month, through a partnership with Sarasota County Schools, the School District of Manatee County and the Early Learning Coalitions of Sarasota County and Manatee County with generous support from the Manatee Education Foundation, Embracing Our Differences coordinated virtual read-alongs of “Bucket Fillers” books with 8,200 students in 455 pre-kindergartens through third grade classes. This year, the initiative was offered via interactive, pre-recorded webisodes featuring read-alongs with the Asolo Rep, CreArte Latino Cultural Center, Venice Theatre, and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and activities with author Carol McCloud. Each participating student and teacher received their own copy of one of McCloud’s books. Since her first book, “Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids,” was published in 2006, Carol McCloud, a nationally acclaimed author and Venice, FL., resident, has inspired millions of people of all ages to become daily “bucket fillers” through her books, seminars, and other publications. Her nine children’s books have sold three million copies worldwide and are used in schools around the world as their primary character development program. As an author, speaker, and early childhood specialist, McCloud says her goal is to help all ages and occupations grow in kindness, self-control, resilience, and forgiveness. 

To learn more about Bucket Fillers 101, click here