International Dot Day September 15th

Do you know what #InternationalDotDay is? 

International Dot Day on September 15th gets your creative juices flowing. The day was established to celebrate creativity, courage, and collaboration. This celebration is easily done and one of the most fun days of the year!

Celebrated by both children and adults, International Dot Day is a day to connect, collaborate, and create. It’s also a great day to foster self-expression. Participate by writing, drawing, painting, taking photos, videography, dancing, and making music. Because this day was sparked by a real-life teacher, educators throughout the world celebrate International Dot Day. They hold a variety of activities in their classrooms.

#InternationalDotDay History

A book called The Dot by Peter. H. Reynolds inspired International Dot Day. The book is about a caring teacher who encourages a student named Vashti to “make her mark.” Vashti couldn’t draw, so she simply made a single dot on a piece of paper. This little dot was just the beginning of Vashti’s journey of self-discovery.

On September 15, 2009, a teacher named Terry Shay introduced his classroom to The Dot. The rest, as they say, is history. Since its first observance in 2009, the day has become a global sensation. It is currently celebrated by nearly 16 million people in 181 countries.

How to observe #InternationalDotDay?

There are many ways for you to take part in International Dot Day. 

1.  Listen to the The Dot book. the dot by Peter H. Reynolds, read aloud by Mrs. Blantz. 
2. Have students create their own “dot” by using this document 
3. Grab ideas and learn all about #InternationalDotDay with this teacher lesson guide. 
4. Several Dot videos on the internet demonstrate how to celebrate, too. The Dot even has its own song you can sing. Go to the Celebri-Dots website and check out the creations of authors, illustrators, and celebrities. You can also check out the International Dot Day website.
5. Write a poem. Make a video. Develop a blog or website. 
6. Take part in a creative exercise to express your thoughts and feelings. No matter what you do, be creative! 5 ways to celebrate Dot Day
7. Don’t forget to share #InternationalDotDay, #DotDay, or #MakeYourMark on social media.
8. BreakoutEDU has lessons in both digital and kit format. Breakout EDU | Login All programs have accounts, reach out to Giovanna or Lori to learn what your login information is.