International Dot Day September 15-ish

September 15 will be the 10th anniversary of Peter H. Reynold’s international bestselling book, The Dot, about a girl who doesn’t think she can draw.   Last year more than 850,000 students worldwide signed up to celebrate International Dot Day in their classrooms and individually.  The goal this year is to have one million children connecting, creating and making their dot around September 15-ish.  It will likely be a week-long event.

Last year teachers and students took the International Dot Day to an entirely new level, using SKYPE and other means to connect and partner with teachers and students in all 50 states and in  other countries — virtually connecting the dots with each other around the world.  They collaborated on classroom projects and made their marks, something that had never happened before.

“Creativity matters,” says Peter H. Reynolds.  “All the dots will connect, one by one.  Children will be using their talents and energy to give back to their communities and world.  We are showing the world how creativity is important.”  Reynolds also noted that last year an entire town celebrated and held a Dot scavenger hunt.  The goal is to be creative and think outside of the box.

Peter H. Reynolds will visit the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst Massachusetts on Sep. 15, 2013.  The day’s activities will provide an opportunity to connect and collaborate with Peter. Visitors can help create an original drawing on the main wall at the Museum or join a story session during which Peter will read The Dot.

If you’re a teacher and want to participate, there is still time to sign up your students.  Visit the International Dot Day site for all the information and resources you will need to get started, inspired and connected.  Many teachers have already posted requests to partner with other schools.  You can also follow International Dot Day on Facebook and Twitter, using #dotday and #makeyourmark and @DotClubConnect.

I can not share this story without mentioning Iowa teacher, Terry (T.J.) Shaw, who held the first Dot Day on Sept. 15, 2009 and shared his student’s creations with Reynolds.  He is the motivational force behind the launching of this special day and remains one of its greatest ambassadors.

Once again, this is a perfect time to issue another challenge to all the KidLit bloggers to make their dots and publish them on their websites September 15-ish.  Last year many bloggers participated.  You have 21 days to prepare!