I couldn't let the week of September 15th go by without featuring The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds (@PeterHReynolds) for #TakingCareThurs. I love this book because it has a strong Taking Care of Others message, as well as Taking Care of Ourselves.
This is the story of a little girl named Vashti (Vash-tee) and her caring art teacher. Vashti didn't believe she could draw. Her teacher said, "just make a mark and see where it takes you." Vashti grabbed the paper and gave it strong jab....nothing more than a dot on the paper. Her teacher then says, "now sign it." Vashti thinks well maybe I can't draw, but I can sign my name. The next week, Vashti returns to art class to see HER dot framed and hanging above her teacher's desk. Could it be? Hmmph! thought Vashti, I can make a better dot than THAT! She set to work. Big dots, little dots, and many more dots. They made quite a splash at the art show. A little boy at the show says to Vashti, "you're a really great artist. I wish I could draw." Can you guess what Vashti said?
I love how the teacher in this story believed in Vashti and took care of her with such a simple gesture of framing and hanging her dot. I love how Vashti then gains confidences and realizes that she CAN be successful. Sometimes we just have to believe in ourselves. I also love how "taking care of others" and such a simple gesture of kindness became contagious in this book.
This is the story of a little girl named Vashti (Vash-tee) and her caring art teacher. Vashti didn't believe she could draw. Her teacher said, "just make a mark and see where it takes you." Vashti grabbed the paper and gave it strong jab....nothing more than a dot on the paper. Her teacher then says, "now sign it." Vashti thinks well maybe I can't draw, but I can sign my name. The next week, Vashti returns to art class to see HER dot framed and hanging above her teacher's desk. Could it be? Hmmph! thought Vashti, I can make a better dot than THAT! She set to work. Big dots, little dots, and many more dots. They made quite a splash at the art show. A little boy at the show says to Vashti, "you're a really great artist. I wish I could draw." Can you guess what Vashti said?
I love how the teacher in this story believed in Vashti and took care of her with such a simple gesture of framing and hanging her dot. I love how Vashti then gains confidences and realizes that she CAN be successful. Sometimes we just have to believe in ourselves. I also love how "taking care of others" and such a simple gesture of kindness became contagious in this book.
This book is now celebrated around the world for International Dot Day on Sept. 15th-ish. The dot now stands for a symbol of creativity, courage, and collaboration. How will you make your mark? Will it be in simple gestures of kindness like Vashti's art teacher? Will it be in developing the courage to be creative in your own way? Join in the celebration and see where it takes you!
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