Dot Day (Weeks)

Last week, I read The Dot a total of 22 times to my students. A colleague who was working on various projects in the library commented on how much she enjoyed listening to our discussions. We used words and phrases like courage, empower, never give up, do your best, collaborate, connect. It was by far the very best week of my career. I'm glad that Dot Day comes early in the year because it is a great way to set the tone for the rest of the year. I've already hung my "We're celebrating Dot Day all year" poster outside of the library. 

After our discussion, I supplied a variety of art tools for students to use to create their own Dot masterpieces. I didn't provide much direction.  I'm bias but my kids created some amazing dots. Here are a few of my favorites. 

This week we are going to extend our discussion by talking about ways to connect and collaborate with each other.  We are also going to Skype with a couple of classes.  So excited.  

How are you going to make your mark?

Creative Collaboration

We are busy putting the finishing touches on our Dot Day Celebration.  International Dot Day is based on The Dot by Peter Reynolds and it encourages courage, creativity, collaboration and connection. My PLN network has rapidly expanded since July when I signed up.  I have made so many connections with other teachers and librarians via twitter and The International Dot Day Google Doc. 

I recently participated in my first Skype session with Melvina Kurashige in Hawaii.  She teaches Japanese to 6th graders.  

We are collaborating on a Dot Day project where our students will exchange bookmarks encouraging each other to reach for their dreams. We'll each be sharing anchor texts with our students that will serve as the inspiration for their bookmarks. They are reading  the Heart of the Samurai. We are going to read the I Have a Dream Speech. I can't wait to exchange bookmarks with one another. 

I have also signed some of my classes up for Skype sessions with other classes across the country.  Our library is becoming flatter as we begin to develop connections with classrooms outside of our school.  Best of all my students are learning library skills in a unique way. I am certain this project will open the doors for discussing digital citizenship and etiquette. The students will hopefully see that the library doesn't just hold books on a shelf but that it also provides a place to create, collaborate and connect.  Our Public Library is certainly promoting this idea with their 4th Floor events and activities.  So I am giving them a shout out for being part of my Dot Day inspiration.