Activities for Celebrating International Dot Day

Every year, on September 15th, people around the world come together to celebrate International Dot Day, a global event inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ book, The Dot. This special day is all about embracing creativity, encouraging self-expression, and fostering a sense of community through a simple yet powerful symbol: a dot!

What is International Dot Day?

International Dot Day is a celebration of creativity and self-expression inspired by the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. The story follows a young girl named Vashti, who is encouraged by her teacher to trust her own abilities and believe in herself. Vashti is brave enough to “make her mark” and what begins with a small dot on a piece of paper becomes a sign of confidence and courage. International Dot Day encourages people of all ages to make their own mark on the world, whether through art, writing, music, or other forms of expression.  

How Did It All Begin?

The origins of International Dot Day trace back to September 15, 2009 when teacher Terry Shay introduced the book to his students and decided to create a day to celebrate its message. The idea quickly gained momentum and now, schools, libraries, and communities around the world take part in this special day.

Ways to Celebrate International Dot Day

• Read The Dot: This is the easiest way to introduce the spirit of Dot Day! 
• Create your own dot art: Grab some paint, markers, or crayons and let your imagination run wild! You can create simple dot patterns or more intricate designs. Maybe even take it a step further and test out some dot markers!
• Host a Dot Day event: Organize a Dot Day event at your school, library, or community center! Activities can include dot-themed crafts, a read-aloud, or even a dot gallery.
• Incorporate Dot Day into the classroom: For educators, Dot Day is a perfect opportunity to integrate art and creativity into the classroom. Lessons that explore different art techniques, discuss the book’s themes, or even a simple dot project are all great examples!
• Share on social media: Join the global celebration by sharing your dot creations and experiences on social media using the hashtag #DotDay. It’s a fantastic way to connect with others who are celebrating and to showcase the diverse ways people express their creativity!

Why International Dot Day Matters

Today is more than just a celebration of art; it’s a reminder that every person has the potential to make a difference. By encouraging creativity and self-expression, Dot Day helps people of all ages understand that their unique contributions are valuable and that we can all make an impact in our own way. Grab a pen, make your mark, and join in the global movement to inspire and empower through the power of the dot!