Emerson Elementary School students celebrated International Dot Day on September 15, when Dr. Jan Fedorenko, Westerville City Schools Curriculum Integration Specialist, visited the school to read aloud The Dot, by best-selling author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds. It is the 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.
Each year on International Dot Day, which started in 2009, educators are encouraged to join in the fun by promoting creativity, individuality and confidence for students throughout the world. After discussing the story, pupils in Beth Dalin’s class created personal dots in art class under the direction of art teacher Kimberly Perrone.