Dot Marker Collage

 International Dot Day is a worldwide celebration of creativity, courage, & collaboration inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ beloved book The Dot. Each year on September 15th (& the days around it), children & educators come together to “make their mark” through art, writing, music, & acts of kindness. It’s a joyful reminder that self-expression builds confidence & connects us with others.

Set out black and white construction paper, scissors, rulers, glue, & dot markers (shiny & mini). Invite children to begin by filling a sheet of white paper with dots of all shapes & sizes. Then, turn the paper over & draw guiding lines to cut strips (older children can cut on their own, or you can assist with a cutting board). Next, have them snip the strips into squares & rectangles. Finally, encourage children to arrange & glue their pieces onto the black construction paper—creating a vibrant dot collage inspired by The Dot.

Benefits of this Invitation: This process-based activity goes beyond simply making art. As children explore dots, patterns, & shapes, they:

• Strengthen fine motor skills through cutting, gluing, & handling small pieces.

• Develop spatial awareness while arranging squares & rectangles into a new composition.

• Practice creativity & problem-solving as they decide how to layer & design their collage.

• Build confidence in their ability to make a mark & transform simple materials into something unique.

This invitation not only celebrates Dot Day but also nurtures important developmental skills while giving children the freedom to express and celebrate the beauty of their own mark-making just like Vashti.