William O. Schaefer Elementary School celebrated International Dot Day yesterday! Dot Day is a celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration based on the children’s book, “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds. To recognize the special day, students and staff were encouraged to wear polka dots and WOS Art Teacher Liz Piteo and Library Teacher Celine Zatarga organized various activities inspired by the book and its message to “make your mark” on the world. Students also participated in a livestream with the author where he read his book and answered questions from students around the world.
Students have been participating in an Author/Artist study throughout the week during Library about Peter H. Reynolds as well as Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who creates unique art using dots. “International Dot Day at WOS is a celebration of connecting reading to creativity. We always like to tie in what is happening in our art and music classes back to the library and finding books that relate to projects they’re working on,” said Zatarga. At the end of the lesson, students were able to put their own dot on a bulletin board display inspired by the book and Kusama’s artistic style.
Piteo worked with students to help them create their own dot using various materials. “I love how Peter’s stories are so inspirational, whether they’re used to inspire creativity in art or creativity in all aspects of education,” noted Piteo. “His books are age appropriate and they help give that simple message of being brave and creative that even these young learners can relate to and be inspired by.” Over the next few weeks, students will continue to work on art projects inspired by “The Dot” including dot monoprints, concentric circles and a pumpkin still life made out of dots inspired Yayoi Kusama.
