International Dot Day

Just make a mark and see where it takes you

Peter H. Reynolds

Motivated with the hope to inspire adults and children to get involved with creative activities and pursuits, Dot Day offers a reason for people to stop limiting themselves and just open up their minds and imaginations!

History of International Dot Day

International Dot Day is staged to encourage people of all ages to harness their creativity. The inspiration behind the event is the children’s book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. The story behind this book relates the tale of a teacher who challenges one of his female pupils, Vashti (who thinks she cannot draw), to take courage in her abilities. As the story progresses, from a simple dot on a page, the youngster goes on to make her mark.

Published in 2003 by Candlewick Press in the United States, The Dot has now been translated into at least twenty languages and read by delighted children and adults in various countries all over the world.

Real-life teacher Terry Shay brought this book to his class in the late 2000s and it was this small gesture that sparked Dot Day to life. Since then, this day has grown from just one classroom to become a worldwide celebration each year. This is just one example that shows how a simple act can be like a spark that spreads joy and delight to people everywhere!

So get ready to celebrate Dot Day!

How to Celebrate International Dot Day

Getting involved with the celebration of International Dot Day can range from the simple to the complex. It can be an individual pursuit, a couple of friends, a family, or an entire school! When it comes to celebrating Dot Day, the imagination is the only limit!

Encourage Creativity – In and out of the Classroom

Teachers can encourage students to get busy on the day with writing, drawing, painting, or other creative outlets and share this with the International Dot Day website to inspire others. The website offers a gallery where creatives from various corners of the globe have shared their work on the Dot Gallery. It’s not just for students though, so anyone can get involved to show their talents through various types of artistic and creative activities!

Read the Children’s Book The Dot

One of the easiest and most obvious ways to pay homage to International Dot Day is by reading Peter H. Reynolds’ book, The Dot. Whether enjoying it at home alone in a quiet corner or reading it out loud to the family or a group of children at the library, this book is a delightful way to bring inspiration to anyone. Head over the library or bookstore to pick up a copy in preparation for the day!

Check Out Some Famous Dot Advocates

Pop onto a blog called “Celebri-dots” to enjoy a growing list of famous folks who support the creative efforts sponsored by International Dot Day. From Julie Andrews and her daughter to Sesame Street’s Carole Hart, The Dot has been an inspiration and supported by a variety of authors, performers, artists and so many creative folks from various walks of life. Check it out!

Get the Educator’s Handbook for Dot Day

Teachers and others involved in the education of children can access free downloadable resources for celebrating International Dot Day. A handbook is available online from The Dot Club, offering activities that have been created by the author, Peter H. Reynolds, with the purpose of helping teachers to inspire creativity inside (and outside) the classroom.

Watch the film The Dot

Since the book was so well received in its time, a year after its publication, The Dot was adapted into a film that won the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children’s Video. Certainly worth a watch, this inspiring little story is beautiful when placed into moving, animated pictures.