Wednesday 23 August 2017

Books Worth a Look #1 'The Dot'




This is the first in a series of blog posts on some good books that I have come across while teaching a variety of classes. (I have purchased these books myself and do not receive sponsorship/freebies for reviewing them!)




First up is 'The Dot' by Peter H. Reynolds which I will be doing with my new students on the first day of school as I introduce our classroom rules.


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Theme/Overview


The book is about a child struggling with an Art activity (but really I think it can be applicable to all subjects). It is about trying, even when it is difficult and you feel you can't do it...YET!  Even though it may be daunting or make us feel uneasy, making a start is important or as we say in Irish 'Tús maith leath na hoibre!' It ties in nicely with the idea of Growth Mindset. 

It encourages us to be creative in our learning and teaching (that there isn't just one way to do something) which is why I have chosen to read it on the first day back to school.


Activities/Ideas


These are just some ideas to pick and choose from that you could use alongside the book.
  • Discuss before reading the story what it feels like when faced with a new beginning or start (first day back to school, new pupil in the class etc.)


  • Read the story again but change it to another subject, for example Maths to show the children that the main idea of the story is applicable to more than just Art


  • The book could also be a stimulus for an Art lesson for the children to make their 'own mark'


  • Chat about how the children could make their mark this year (what they would like to achieve, what they would like to improve on) 


  • Do some Pointillism Art using dots and look at artist Seurat

  • Do some Kandinsky inspired 'Dot' Art
Kandinsky_Farbstudie-Quadrate
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  • create a class contract for the year to always try our best and 'make our mark'. Each child can sign their name beside their dot (perhaps their fingerprint).

  • Design a Growth Mindset Poster for displaying in the class. Have a look here at some examples or click the image for others.
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They now even have an International Dot Day which is the 15th September this year! More details can be found here where they have more ideas for the book.

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