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Make Your Mark | Getting involved in International Dot Day

Connect, Collaborate & Share!

International Dot Day is something I recently stumbled up and I must say, I was intrigued immediately. International Dot Day (September 15th-ish) was the brainchild of illustrator Peter H. Reynolds who has a mission is to help ALL learners reach their full potential in more creative ways. He has dedicated his life to using the power of storytelling to connect with, support & inspire kindred spirits who understand that creativity is key for learning – not an expendable “extra.”

International Dot Day is named after Peter’s classic storybook The Dot. Available in English and many other languages, the book shares the story of a girl who begins a journey of self-discovery after a caring teacher challenges her to “make her mark.”

The Dot tells the story of a caring teacher who reaches a reluctant student in a remarkably creative way. In Peter’s book, the teacher dares a very resistant Vashti to “make her mark.” Vashti’s breakthrough begins with a simple dot on a piece of paper. Encouraged by her teacher she sets off on a journey of self-discovery, letting her creativity bloom and, ultimately, inspire others.

Started in in 2009 by a group of educators, this unique holiday encourages teachers, librarians and parents explore the story’s powerful themes of bravery, creativity and self-expression.

“The Dot more than anything celebrates the power of creative teaching,” Peter explains. “Despite the testcentric 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, Peter dedicated The Dot to Mr. Matson.

Why International Dot Day Matters:

This event is also a chance to set aside time for young learners and explore making their mark via art projects, classroom activities, challenges, games and much more. If you’d like some wonderful celebration ideas, you can download their free Educator’s Handbook for International Dot Day.

Making your “dot” is as much about celebrating creativity as it is about connecting and collaborating with fellow creativity champions around the world. If you are interested to connect, start by adding your name and interests here.

So write it, draw it, paint it, craft it, speak it, or explore it…just do your part to make your mark in the world!

International Dot Day Partners

The Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning

and Creativity
The Blue Bunny Book and Toy Store
Candlewick Press
Discovery Education
FableVision Studios & FableVision Learning
Skype in the Classroom
QuiverVision
Epic!
KidLitTV
Weston Woods

Follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/DotClubConnect) !
Visit the Dot Day Facebook page (facebook.com/InternationalDotDay) to see what others are doing and to share what you are doing on International Dot Day and every day.
Use the hashtags #DotDay , #Makeyourmark .

Something To Do “Vashti’s breakthrough begins with a simple dot on a piece of paper.”

Door Dots: Have your students or children trace dots using the lid of a coffee can and then sign their names. Tape the dots all over the house or classroom and “make your mark.”

Recycle old CDs: Don’t CDs look like giant dots? Turn old CDs into mini chalkboards with chalk paint and encourage young artists to decorate with words of hope.

had another great idea. Bedazzle up Cds and make beautiful garden spinners!

Bubble Dots!

Edible Dots: Throw a dot-themed party with polka-doted place and drinkware and serve baked goods with “dots” like M&M’s, chocolate chips, etc. (Please be sure to follow your school’s policies regarding food allergies.)

International Dot Day