International Dot Day - September 15th-ish
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From the Introduction to International Dot Day in the Educator's Handbook.
"September 15th marks the anniversary of the publication of best-selling author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds’ The Dot, a “story book for all ages.” Starting in 2009, a group of educators began celebrating this date as International Dot Day — a day for classes to explore the story’s powerful themes: bravery, creativity, and self-expression. “The Dot more than anything celebrates the power of creative teaching,” Reynolds explains. “ Despite the test-centric world we live in, creative teachers know how to find those aha moments — much the same way that my 7th grade math teacher Mr. Matson ‘connected the dots’ between math and art, which changed my life.” To honor that moment, Reynolds dedicated The Dot to Mr. Matson. |
"One simply has to search #DotDay on Twitter to witness the enthusiasm of teachers gearing up for this year’s Dot Day. Posts and links adorn the wall of the International Dot Day Facebook page. Educators are also spreading the word about Big Screen Books: The Dot, a group story-sharing software program that allows students to interact with the story on a computer or interactive whiteboard. How does Reynolds recommend celebrating?
Spread the word… On International Dot Day, read The Dot, wear dots, eat dots, draw dots, frame dots, connect the dots, splurge on art supplies, try a new medium — a new instrument, write a poem, rearrange your furniture, reconnect the dots with an old friend, make something, or make something with a friend. Share your creativity with the world.
Enjoy the story, The Dot, right now!
You can do a LOT with a DOT!
Join The Dot Club, then download a fantastic Educator's Guidebook with many ideas for ways to celebrate International Dot Day. Here are a few examples of what you will find:
Guest Dot Sign-In —Maryann Molishus Have an easel and chart paper with a small basket of markers, crayons, etc., near the entrance to your classroom. Make sure anyone who comes to your classroom adds his or her own special dot to your Guest Dot Sign-In Page. Save the paper. It is nice to have one from each year and to display them on Dot Day.
Goals, Interests, and Pride —Chris Prout Have students create their own DOT picture that includes some of the things they are proud of, such as their goals, their interests, and their career goal.
Skype with Authors —Shannon Miller & John Schumacher Invite authors into your classroom via a Skype conference call. In the past, authors Erica Perl, author of Dotty and Chicken Butt, and Eric Wight, author of the Frankie Pickle series, visited our classes.
SketchUp, Skype, and Wikis —Shannon Miller & John Schumacher Create Google SketchUp Candy Lands and Candy Lands created from DOT boxes, then Skype with another school so the creators can present their projects. Afterwards, students can vote on their favorite Candy Land by using a Wiki.
Guest Dot Sign-In —Maryann Molishus Have an easel and chart paper with a small basket of markers, crayons, etc., near the entrance to your classroom. Make sure anyone who comes to your classroom adds his or her own special dot to your Guest Dot Sign-In Page. Save the paper. It is nice to have one from each year and to display them on Dot Day.
Goals, Interests, and Pride —Chris Prout Have students create their own DOT picture that includes some of the things they are proud of, such as their goals, their interests, and their career goal.
Skype with Authors —Shannon Miller & John Schumacher Invite authors into your classroom via a Skype conference call. In the past, authors Erica Perl, author of Dotty and Chicken Butt, and Eric Wight, author of the Frankie Pickle series, visited our classes.
SketchUp, Skype, and Wikis —Shannon Miller & John Schumacher Create Google SketchUp Candy Lands and Candy Lands created from DOT boxes, then Skype with another school so the creators can present their projects. Afterwards, students can vote on their favorite Candy Land by using a Wiki.
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This site, Celebri-Dots, is filled with other authors, illustrators, and celebrities who share in the dream of a more creative world. The dot shown here was based upon the children's book, The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake by Robin Newman. On this page you will be introduced to wonderful children's books and video book trailers. |
