“Creating…Connecting…Collaborating…Sharing” is the theme for this year’s International Dot Day. Celebrated the week of September 15th-ish, over 3,786,213 children have signed up since 2014 from 115 countries. They will celebrate in their classrooms and individually.
September 15, will be the 12th anniversary of Peter H. Reynold’s international bestselling book, The Dot, about a girl who doesn’t believe she can draw. The book has been translated and published into 12 different languages and braille. Iowa teacher Terry (T.J.) Shay, who held the very first Dot Day celebration in 2009, has been the motivational force behind this extraordinary annual event.
Each year teachers and students continue to take International Dot Day to a new level, using many ways to connect and partner with teachers and students in all 50 states and 112 countries. This is truly a global event where children are connecting the dots with each other around the world.
If you are a teacher, homeschooler or parent who wants to get involved in this incredibly powerful event, there is still time to enroll your students and children. Visit the International Dot Day site for all the information and resources you will need to get started, inspired and connected. Teachers, make sure you check out the special section Skype in the Classroom and view the sections on Find a Lesson, A Teacher or Mystery Skype. Many teachers have posted requests to partner with other schools.
Teachers may want to check out this cute video to use after they read The Dot. Singer song-writer Emily Dale collaborated with Reynolds to create the lively The Dot Song, which includes a hand motions guide.
You can follow International Dot Day on:
Facebook: Share on Dot Day Facebook page (facebook.com/InternationalDotDay)
Twitter: Connect on Twitter using @DotClubConnect, and #dotday and #makeyourmark
Challenge: I encourage many of my author friends who’ve published books to check out the Celebri-Dots and submit your own special dot. To my KidLit blogging friends who are such outstanding artists and always sharing their artwork, please consider posting a dot on your website September 15th-ish. Many of you are wonderful poets and may find a calling in writing a poem about Dot Day, along with a dot. There are no right or wrong ways, only a lot of creative fun! Visit the Dot Gallery for inspiration. I will post my dot on September 15.
Please check out my friend and blogging colleague Beth Stilborn’s post on International Dot Day. Beth shares many of the dots she’s created each year and tells Vashti’s story in The Dot.
Peter Reynold’s will officially kick-off International Dot Day on Saturday, September 12 from 11-2 p.m. at The Blue Bunny, in Dedham, MA. Reynolds hopes a lot friends will join him to “make their marks.” Everyone is encouraged to wear dots that day.
Good to know! Never heard of Dot Day and will pass the info along. Fun!
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It is a wonderful event that encourages imagination and creativity and helps children connect with kids globally. Many teachers plan SKYPE activities with other classrooms. It is my favorite event every year. And, I hope you consider making your mark next week.
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What fun! I adore the book; it’s a very empowering story.
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I was thinking about you and hoping you might create and post a dot! It is an empowering story! It can be done anytime. Hope you do!
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I just might have to, Pat! 🙂 I’ll pull this book out (have had it since my kids were little) and re-read it for inspiration.
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That would be so cool. I have worked on mine. Can’t use my hands easily, so mine is very basic.
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I wish your hands weren’t in such discomfort, Pat. Can’t wait to see yours, though. Will you post on your blog?
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Yes, I will post on September 15 on my website. We need to do a lot of tweeting of each other’s posts and include the #dotday.
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Sounds good! 🙂
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Reblogged this on Marlaina Gray and commented:
Courtesy of Patricia, news on International Dot Day. I love “The Dot,” don’t you?
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Marlina, thank you so much for sharing my post on your website! So happy you think it is an important event!
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Fabulous post, Pat! As you know, I love Dot Day and all it stands for, too! Here’s to inspiring creativity in all shapes and forms!
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I know you love Dot Day and what it stands for! I really enjoyed your post yesterday the many dots you have created over the years for Sept. 15!
Here is my friend Beth Stilborn’s post on Dot Day: http://www.bethstilborn.com/international-dot-day-is-nearly-here-september-15th-ish-2015/
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I must join in if I can. I am never sure where to go or how to link.
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Oh, please do. All you need to do is create a post with some comments and make your dot. Click on the website link I highlighted “International Dot Day,” for information. I will register on the site and say I’m a KidLit blogger and show participation. You’ve published books, so you could click on the author Celebri-dot on Peter’s website and download your dot there. Many authors use their book covers and put it in a circle. You can also see the other authors. And, of course, when many of us see your post, we can remark and then, post to twitter using the #dotday and other markers. Mine is being tweeted today. The more tweets, the more publicity for the event. Also getting traffic on FB.
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Yes, looks great! I will. Thank you.
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Thanks for all the details, Pat.
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You are welcome! Would love to see your dot. You are so artistic. And, your kids!
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Pingback: International Dot Day is Nearly Here! September 15th-ish, 2015! | By Word of Beth
So great to watch this growing year by year!
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It really is amazing how Dot Day has grown. I remember when there were 620,000 participants.
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I’ve never really gotten into Dot Day, but I like seeing everyone have fun with it.
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I love that it promotes creativity and helps kids and teachers connect with other classrooms via SKYPE and other methods in the USA and globally. For me it is connecting the dots globally and encourages diversity.
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I just love this campaign and its message! This is my second year of creating a Celebri-dot. I’m getting my local children’s library involved in it this year. Yay! Can’t wait to see your dot, Pat!
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That is great you have your local children’s library involved this year! What fun! I love it too. My dot is basic because I have difficulty using my hands.
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Yay! It’s here! 😀 This is always a fun project!
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Hope to see you and Josie participate!
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Isn’t this a fabulous event?! And to learn The Dot has been translated into so many languages is like having one big group hug! Way to spread the love!
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I love that — it is like having one big group hug since it has spread globally.
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