The Dot

My half day kindergartners only get 10 art classes (30 minutes long each) all year.  I think The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds is an important way to kick off their first class each year. We watch the video linked below, then talk about the difference in Vashti's feelings in the beginning and at the end, and we also talk about what the teacher does for her, enabling Vashti to do the same for others.  We talk about encouragement, just trying your best, and believing you CAN be creative. 

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

I give them a blank paper with a circle traced on it.  Some turn their circle into an object (doughnut, emoji face, monster, bullseye), some fill it with colored patterns (stripes, plaid, smaller dots), some leave the dot white and color outside of it like Vashti does at one point in the book.  Students notice how everyone's paper is different -- even two students drawing rainbow stripes won't do it the same.  Some ask for another dot to design.  There is laughter, joy.  Creation.  Risk taking.

This year when we were experimenting with watercolors I introduced my fifth graders to Vashti as well.  They cut their "practice" watercolor sheets into dots of all shapes and sizes that we hung in the hallway.

What would your dot look like?  What materials would you use to make it?  Paint?  Drawing tools?  Would you cut and glue things into it?  Would you fill it with designs or make it into an object?  Would text be involved somehow?  Is your dot dedicated to someone or something? How many different dots can you make without running out of ideas?

Lots of fun templates are also available on the web to brainstorm tons of dots (or squares or triangles) on a smaller scale -- you can find some on Pinterest or just find lids and circles from around your house to trace your own.  This activity is another fantastic creativity booster for all ages!!

circle art printable for kids
Via A Girl and a Glue Gun -- site linked to image

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