International Dot Day is Coming SOON! (September 15th-ish)
If you’ve been reading my blog for at least a year, you’ll know that I am a strong proponent of International Dot Day, the day when children and grown-ups around the world celebrate creativity in the spirit of Peter H. Reynolds’ wonderful picture book, The Dot.
In The Dot, the main character, Vashti, is sure she can’t participate when the other kids in her class are creating “art.” Her teacher urges her to “make a mark and see where it takes you.” Vashti quickly makes a single dot on the page. Her teacher scrutinizes it carefully, then says, “Now sign it.”
What an amazingly simple, but empowering message. Even a small dot on a page can be viewed as art, and can be used as a way to build self-esteem.
Teacher Terry Shay was inspired by Peter’s book, and introduced it to his students in the first Dot Day, in 2009. Since then, Dot Day has become an international phenomenon. This year, there are more than 1.5 million (yes, that says MILLION) participants in 75 countries, who will all be making their mark in some creative way, on or around September 15th.
I’d like to encourage you to become involved, as well. Start by reading (or re-reading) The Dot. If you have connections to a school, see if they’re doing anything for Dot Day — and if they aren’t, let them know how they can become involved. (The celebration isn’t restricted to September 15th — that’s why the date is “ish”.) Blog about it, as I’m doing, and as my friend and writing colleague Pat Tilton has done. Learn the new Dot Song, and sing it with your kids!
Tweet about it by clicking the Tweet button below:
Celebrate creativity with International Dot Day! http://www.thedotclub.org/dotday/ “Make your mark and see where it takes you!” #DotDay 
You can even create your own Dot and post it on your blog. Here’s a link to my 2012 Dot, and my 2013 Dot … and here’s my 2014 Dot, which focuses on the benefits of the arts, words, and creativity.
I shall ask at my son’s school. It’s so empowering. Thanks, Beth.
Great! Thanks, Catherine! (and you’re welcome.)
I love your dot, Beth!!! It is awesome. I love International Dot Day. I am going to have to learn the song. What fun!
Thanks, Penny! International Dot Day is SUCH a great idea! Enjoy learning the song!
Great post. I love your dot Beth. Very creative idea! This is such an empowering event for all involved. Thanks for the shout out!
Thanks, Pat! Glad you like my Dot! And you’re welcome — always happy to give you a shout-out.
Your dot is creative and empowering just like your blog, Beth!
Thanks so much, Joanna!
Beth!! Thank you so much for sharing Dot Day with your readers! The reason it has grown into such an amazing event is because of people like you and Patricia. Thanks for your help in spreading the day and creativity.
Thank you so much, Terry! I’m so grateful that you’re pleased with the post. I know both Pat and I think very highly of Peter, you and all the Dot Day team — Dot Day is a WONDERFUL celebration.
Yay! Turning on the creative juices! 😀 I told my school art teacher about it last year. 🙂
Super! You and your sister are fabulously creative kids!
I love The Dot and it’s wonderful and inspiring message! Thanks for sharing, Beth 🙂
Thanks, Susanna! It’s a wonderful book!