How We Celebrate Dot Day in Our K-3 School Library

Do you observe International Dot Day?

It all began with a book: The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds. It’s a book about creativity, but even moreso, it’s a book about how everyone holds a creative spark.

Dot Day is this week and it seems like a good time to share the resources I use with students.

First up, the Dot Day website. I like showing this because it makes it more real to students. I also like to show them dots made by other kids on the Dot Day Instagram.

Next up, the book. Of course.

I read this aloud with my classes. Sometimes I’ll share the animated version available on BookFlix or TumbleBooks (both are subscription services).

After that, I usually head to KidLit TV, which has a bunch of great Dot Day resources. My favorite is Ready, Set, Draw-ish! with Peter H. Reynolds. This gets students in the dot frame of mind before creating their own:

Then I send students off to create their own dots. I just use the die cut machine to make plain white construction paper dots that students can decorate with crayons.

I’ve seen people use paint, markers, and other art making tools with great results as well.

I take these Dots and make a display in the library for next week.

Afterward, if we have time, I’ll watch the Dot Day song made by Emily Arrow. It’s a good wrap up.

I’ve also read the follow up to The Dot, Ish with many classes.

How do you celebrate Dot Day? Go ahead and share in the comments.

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