In seven days children around the world will be kicking off International Dot Day. Over 1,925,183 million children from 85 countries have signed up to celebrate in their classrooms and individually. The goal this year is to have two million children celebrating, connecting and making their dots the week of September 15. It is usually a week-long event.
September 15 will be the 11th anniversary of Peter H. Reynold’s international bestselling book, The Dot, about a girl who doesn’t think she can draw. In 2009, Iowa teacher, Terry (T.J.) Shay, held the very first Dot Day celebration and shared his student’s creations with Reynolds. Shaw is the motivational force behind the launching of this phenomenal day.
According to Reynolds “the theme for this year’s day is creativity, bravery and self-expression.” Singer song-writer Emily Dale collaborated with Reynolds to create the beautiful The Dot Song for educators can use in their classrooms.
In past years teachers and students took 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 globally — virtually connecting the dots with each other around the world. They collaborated on classroom projects and made their marks. This year will bring even greater collaboration.
If you are a teacher or parent who wants to participate, there is still time to enroll your students. There are many ways to celebrate Dot Day. 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 (twitter.com/DotClubConnect.)
What a sweet video. I’m going to celebrate this year by drawing/painting that day instead of writing. I need to get over the idea that I’m not a “good” artist. Of course I’ll probably let the kids paint with me, too. : )
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Yes, I love the video because you get a feel about how the kids create and connect and just have a ball! I like your idea and hope you participate.
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I’ve never participated in Dot Day, and I probably never will. But I like that instead of posting on the day, you gave everyone a week’s heads up so anyone interested has time to take action. Have a Happy Dot Day, everyone. 🙂
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Yes, I always try to give a heads up, although I should have done it in August. I keep watching the counter and 15,000 more kids signed up since late yesterday… and counting. I love the idea of kids making their marks and the connections that will be made nationally and globally.
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I watched this to see what all the excitement is about! I am so glad I did! http://youtu.be/t5mGeR4AQdM
On Mon, Sep 8, 2014 at 6:10 AM, Children’s Books Heal wrote:
> Patricia Tilton posted: “In seven days children around the world will > be kicking off International Dot Day. Over 1,367,055 children from 71 > countries have signed up to celebrate in their classrooms and > individually. The goal this year is to have two million children > celebratin”
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Thanks for including the video of The Dot story, too. Great event for children to express themselves and feel good about it.
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It is one of the best ways I know of for connecting kids internationally. I love it for that alone!
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Yes, I like how Dot Day connects kid internationally and breaks down barriers. It’s my favorite part of the event.
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Three cheers for Dot Day! Great post, Pat!
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Thank you. I love this event for children!
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I participated last year for the first time with a 2nd grade. I used “The Dot” in an English as a second language class and I published the results of my workshop at http://atelierstorytime.com/2013/09/15/international-dot-day/. Children were very excited so I am doing the same kind of workshop this year (with another class). Happy International Dot Day! Michela
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Thank you for sharing how you used “The Dot” as a second language class for your French students. That is so cool. I loved their “Dot Day” entries and commented on your post. Glad your new class is participating again this year. Hope you watched the video.
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Yes I did and I liked it very much! It’s amazing how much this book inspired teachers, educators, parents and children!
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Yay for Dot Day!! Thanks for the fun post!!
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I agree! Such a great day for kids around the world.
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Yay! I can’t wait! 😀
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Love this entire movement! Thanks for sharing Dot Day!
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I love International Dot Day. I expect them to sign up 2 million this year.
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Oh, Patricia, this was the most delightful post, ever! Thrilled am I to have visited your blog today, to have discovered such a wonderful ‘day’ and watch the video that enlightened my soul. I have shared it with LI and FB.
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Kim, I’m so happy you enjoyed learning about International Dot Day. The video really is inspiring. Thank you for sharing it on LI and FB.
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I love Dot Day — as you well know! I’m glad you’ve posted a heads-up for people. I will link to your post in mine, which will go up on Friday the 12th.
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Thank you Beth, I appreciate your linking to my post on Friday. Everyday I update the count from the official Dot website listed on the post.
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