International Dot Day – September 15, 2022, history, quotes FAQS
International Dot Day is an annual event celebrated globally on September 15. Have you ever thought you are a creative person? Let the answer be yes or no, and you be a kid or an adult. You can let out your creativity or see how creative you are on this day. Yes, International Dot Day is a worldwide commemoration that celebrates the Creativity, Courage, and Collaboration of the millions of people who possess power and potential.
WHEN IS INTERNATIONAL DOT DAY 2022?
‘Make your mark’ and see where it takes you on International Dot Day on September 15.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL DOT DAY
On September 15, 2003, author and illustrator of children’s books, Peter H. Reynolds released his book “The Dot.” In the story, Vashti 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 find her paper with the dot on the classroom wall. Vashti was so proud of her work that she started creating drawings with different kinds of dots.
Eventually, Vashti was able to pass the lesson 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.
“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.
The flow of creativity and courage is celebrated by millions of teachers and students around the world. Such is the widespread influence of “The Dot” that it is currently celebrated in 192 countries by more than 19 million people!
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.
INTERNATIONAL DOT DAY TIMELINE
September 15, 2003
It Begins With a Dot
Peter H. Reynolds publishes his story “The Dot.”
2009
The Dot Spreads
International Dot Day officially launches after teacher Terry Shay introduces the book to his students.
2011
Reception of the Dot
Registrations for the observance of International Dot Day reach 17,500 throughout several states.
2013
The Dot Movement
Participation and involvement on International Dot Day peaks at 1.3 million participants in 84 countries.
INTERNATIONAL DOT DAY ACTIVITIES
Read “The Dot”
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.'”
Donate art supplies to a school
If it’s within your means, your local school system may have an art program that could use your help. Consider donating unused office supplies or other things around your home as “found art” that students might want to explore for projects.
Paint a picture or write a poem
Get creative and make your own mark! There’s no better way to celebrate International Dot Day than by reaching down into your own well of imagination and doing something artistic that reflects who you are. Even if you can’t afford art supplies, you may have a program on your computer that lets you create digital art. Give it a try!
5 SCIENCE-BASED FACTS ABOUT CREATIVITY
Conformity kills creativity
Conformity stifles creativity as it creates pressure to maintain a certain way of doing things.
The key to creativity is openness
In a study linking creative expression with openness, individuals possessing a free-flow mind reported the highest rates of creativity.
Creative people live longer
Creative minds have better ways to overcome hurdles in life and are more than likely to get more creative with age.
Positivity boosts creativity
An upset and unclear mind will weigh down the creative process and create less motivation.
Creative people tend to be independent
This is mostly subjective but traits commonly linked to creative people include independence, a sense of self-orientation, and dedication towards work.
WHY WE LOVE INTERNATIONAL DOT DAY
Dots are symbolic
Depending on how philosophical you’d like to get, a dot can represent nearly anything. We use them for punctuation, to convey when one thought ends and another begins.
Dots are building blocks
When you go down deep enough, every piece of art is just a different arrangement of dots as in the artistic technique, pointillism. But in our digital world, it’s easy to see that every image is a collection of pixels, which when isolated, are merely a collection of individual, digital dots. Let’s think of them as the “atoms” of the art world!
Dots are easy to draw
Anybody on the planet can celebrate International Dot Day. This is because everybody can draw a dot and make their mark. Period.
How to Celebrate International Dot Day
There are so many simple ways in which International Dot Day can be celebrated. Read the book The Dot to get inspiration. You can draw your dots on a piece of paper or the whiteboard to start it simple. Visit the official site of this day to get some inspirational pictures. You can even sign up online to download the Educator’s Handbook or get the Big Screen Books software that lets you create dot arts. Encourage children and adults to draw and bring out their artistic nature. You can post and share your news, photos, art, and videos or connect with people like you on social media using the hashtag #InternationalDotDay.
INTERNATIONAL DOT DAY FAQS
What is the purpose of International Dot Day?
International Dot Day is celebrated by adults and children for boosting courage so that their creative potential is released. It is a great day to connect and collaborate, and also to celebrate self-expression.
When is International Dot Day?
International Dot Day is celebrated on September 15 every year.
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.’
