The Dot!

 
Students at all levels will be celebrating Dot Week during the week of September 12th in Art Class and Library/Technology.  This special event is based on the book “The Dot,” by Peter Reynolds. It is a story that encourages artists to “just make a mark.”

International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration, began when teacher Terry Shay introduced his classroom to Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot on September 15, 2009.
The Dot is the story of a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark”.

What begins with a small dot on a piece of paper becomes a breakthrough in confidence and courage, igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing, which has gone on to inspire countless children and adults around the globe.

And each year on International Dot Day – with the help of people just like you –the inspiration continues. What started as a story in the pages of a book is transforming teaching and learning around the world as people of all ages re-discover the power and potential of creativity in all they do.
(From www.thedotclub.org)



This collaborative Dot Art Mural was created by students in grades 1/2 and 5/6. We rotated through Dot Art stations so that only three or four students were painting on the mural at a time.  We started with our largest paintbrushes and finished with Q-tips dipped in paint. I think I'm in LOVE with this piece of artwork!

The other Dot Art Stations were Collage and Dot Zentangles. I felt like I could see the creativity pouring out of students! 

 

Students also used Dot-a-Dot stamper a to create dot art and painted paper plates with liquid watercolor. 

Dot day!

Dot paintings by first and second grade artists in celebration of International Dot Day!

Did you remember to wear dots today?  These kids did! 

Kindergarten Dot Day Art Stations:

Dot stickers

Dot stampers

Dot tracing

Dot collage 

Third and fourth grade group Dot Paintings 

Dot Day is coming to Fayston School!

International Dot Day is a day to celebrate CREATIVITY, COURAGE and COLLABORATION.  During the week of September 15th, all students will create artwork inspired by the message in Peter Reynolds' book The Dot:

"Make your mark and see where it takes you!" 

And Remember... On Monday, September 15th, WEAR DOTS! 

Let's see which classroom has the most Dot Day Spirit! 

The Dot by Peter Reynolds

Kindergarten artists read The Dot by Peter Reynolds.  

This is the story of a young artist who is convinced that she can't draw until her teacher has her begin by simply making a mark.  The girl explores making dots in all sizes and colors until she is proud of her artwork and looked up to by other students.  

In our classroom, we have a class expectation that we will never say "I can't."  Sometimes, though, we need a little extra encouragement just to get beyond the "polar bear in a a snowstorm" blank paper stage. The Dot gives young artist the inspiration to get started without fear or scrutiny.  

Kindergarten artists used watercolors on fine watercolor paper to create their original Dot paintings.  I used masking tape to create tape borders on each student's paper, which helped keep the paper need and create a finished-looking composition.  These are absolutely beautiful!  

Click HERE to read an interview with Peter Reynolds about The Dot.  

Isabella and Grady make Dot paintings.

Sarah dressed very appropriately for "Dot Day!"

Our dot paintings