International Dot Day is celebrated annually on 15th September worldwide, and it commemorates the day when "The Dot" book was released.
And this all started with a story about a little girl named Vashti, the protagonist of Peter H. Reynolds’ tale, “The Dot.” In which she was inspired by her teacher for her creativity by marking a simple dot.
Then to pay respect and tribute to the story the International Dot Day was established, and it was also aimed to celebrate creativity, courage, and collaboration thus the celebration became one of the most fun celebrations of the year with a very great message behind it.
| Event | International Dot Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 15, 2022 |
| Day | Thursday |
| Significance | The date commemorates the day when "The Dot" book was released |
| Observed by | United States |
International Dot Day History:
On September 15, 2003, author and illustrator of children’s books, Peter H. Reynolds released his book called “The Dot.” In this story, there was a shy girl character called Vashti and once when she was in the classroom she felt like she couldn’t draw but her art teacher wouldn’t accept that. “Just make a mark, and see where it takes you,” the teacher said to Vashti. So, she marked her parchment paper with a small dot.
The next day, Vashti was surprised to see that her paper with the dot was posted on the classroom wall. Vashti was so proud of her work that she started creating drawings with different kinds of dots.
Eventually, Vashti understood the lesson taught to her by her teacher about confidence that she had learned from her teacher onto someone else. A dot might be small, but it’s a powerful way to show your unique individuality and creativity. And that’s the story that inspired International Dot Day.
And since then, the story of “The Dot” has inspired millions of children and adults. It is used by teachers as a method to encourage creativity and instill confidence in students. One teacher in Iowa, Terry Shay, introduced the book to his entire classroom on September 15, 2009. This led to the observance of International Dot Day every year on September 15.
International Dot Day Significance:
International Dot Day is celebrated by both adults and children with the purpose of boosting courage among the students so that their creative potential is released. It is a great day to connect and collaborate, and also to celebrate self-expression.
As like Vashti in the story, there are many people in the world who often shy away from expressing their creativity or mew ideas with a fear of being humiliated and made fun of. Hence this day encourages all of the teachers and other people around the world to let people expressing their creative and innovative side especially with children as sometimes small and stupid sounding solutions at first also has the potential to change our world.
Today we live in a technologically advanced society and which is going forward with a rapid rate through every passage of time. Hence it becomes even more important for today's children to be creative in regards with safeguarding their future as the world is gonna get even more competitive than ever before so children must be prepared for it from now only.
Overall the day aims that the flow of creativity and courage should never stop and always needs to be encouraged and that's why this day today is celebrated by millions of teachers and students around the world. And there is a widespread influence of “The Dot” already that it is currently celebrated in 192 countries all over the world.
International Dot Day Activities:
Peter H. Reynolds' storybook, "The Dot," is the book that started it all. Check it out for "the story of a girl who begins a journey of self-discovery after a caring teacher challenges her to 'make her mark." So do read this book to pay tribute and respect for the writer because of him only we now have International Dot Day!
Get creative and make your own mark! What can be more better way to celebrate International Dot Day than by reaching down into your own world of imagination and doing something artistic that reflects who you are. And it can mean anything like even drawing a dot as in the story so definitely try something to do creative and it can be anywhere not only in books and arts but with computer and digitally too like coding and programming.
Also consider donating your unused office supplies or other things around your home as "found art" that students might want to explore for projects. In this way you will also help in this cause of spreading the message of creativity and innovation of ideas by helping other people to achieve it.
There is also a website by the name ‘The Dot Club,’ which serves as a free resource for downloadable material and printouts like an official certificate of participation. So do pay a visit to this website regarding everything about the International Dot Day!
Most Searched FAQs on International Dot Day:
1. When is International Dot Day is celebrated?
International Dot Day is celebrated annually on 15th September.
2. What does International Dot Day commemorate?
International Dot Day commemorate the release of the book called "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds in 15th September, 2003.
3. What is the theme of "The Dot?"
“The Dot” is a tale of an inspiring teacher who encourages a shy student to believe in herself and ‘make her mark.’