Winona Area Public Schools
Just make a mark and see where it takes you.
That is the inspiring message behind “The Dot,” a book by Peter H. Reynolds that has sparked creativity and courage in young artists across the world — including Goodview Elementary.
Art teacher Mandy Flesch and her students recently celebrated International Dot Day by making their mark and seeing what happened. In this case, it ended with colorful artwork that adorns the walls of the school.
International Dot Day was started in 2009, when a teacher introduced his classroom to “The Dot,” a story by Peter H. Reynolds. According to Reynolds’ website, “The Dot” is a story of a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark”. What begins with a small dot on a piece of paper becomes a breakthrough in confidence and courage, igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing, which has gone on to inspire countless children and adults around the globe.
At Goodview, students read the book and talk about creativity. Then, they work together to make individual colorful artworks that are later combined into magnificent displays of creativity.
And it all starts with just a little dot.