lenny

Dot Day Discovery

user image

Lesson Plan

Dot Day Discovery Lesson Plan

Students will explore creativity and self-expression by brainstorming and designing unique dot artworks, then share insights about their artistic choices to build confidence.

This lesson fosters creative thinking, collaboration, and self-efficacy by encouraging students to experiment with shapes, colors, and patterns inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ message that every mark matters.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided brainstorming and hands-on dot art creation.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a small-group circle and show The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds.
  • Briefly summarize the story’s message: making your mark and being creative.
  • Ask: “What does it mean to make your mark?” and invite a few responses to activate prior knowledge.

Step 2

Brainstorming

5 minutes

  • Present the Dot Day Brainstorming Chart.
  • Invite students to shout out words describing dots (e.g., size, color, pattern).
  • Record each idea on the chart to spark creativity.
  • Encourage students to think of one unique dot design element they’d like to include.

Step 3

Artwork Creation

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Dot Day Creative Worksheet, dot stickers, and markers.
  • Instruct students to create at least one dot artwork, incorporating two different patterns or colors from the brainstorming chart.
  • Circulate and prompt students with questions: “How are you using patterns?” or “What story does your dot tell?”
  • Celebrate each student’s unique approach.

Step 4

Sharing and Reflection

5 minutes

  • Invite each student to share their dot artwork and describe one creative choice they made.
  • Ask students to complete the reflection section on the Dot Day Creative Worksheet: write one thing they learned about themselves as artists.
  • Provide positive feedback and celebrate everyone’s creativity.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Dot Day Discovery

Welcome to Dot Day! Today, we’ll explore creativity, make our marks, and celebrate our unique dot artworks.

Welcome students and set a positive tone. Briefly introduce Dot Day and its purpose: celebrating creativity through dots.

Inspiration: The Dot

Let’s begin with The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. What does it mean to make your mark?

Show the cover of The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. Read or summarize the story. Emphasize the message: everyone can make their mark.

Brainstorming Dot Ideas

Shout out words describing dots (size, color, pattern, texture, mood…).

We’ll record each idea on our Dot Day Brainstorming Chart.

Display or draw the brainstorming chart. Invite students to share dot-related words. Record responses in real time.

Our Brainstorming Chart

Refer to our Dot Day Brainstorming Chart.

Which two ideas will you use in your dot artwork?

Ensure the brainstorming chart is visible. Encourage students to pick two elements for their design.

Create Your Dot Artwork

Use your Dot Day Creative Worksheet.
• Incorporate at least two patterns/colors from our chart.
• Use dot stickers and markers to decorate.
• Tell a story with your dot!

Hand out worksheets, dot stickers, markers. Circulate to support and prompt students.

Share & Reflect

• Show your dot artwork and describe one creative choice.
• On your worksheet, write one thing you learned about yourself as an artist.

Invite each student to share briefly. After sharing, have them complete the reflection prompt on their worksheet.

Great Job, Artists!

Every mark matters. Keep creating, exploring, and making your mark every day!

Wrap up with praise. Encourage students to continue exploring art beyond today.

lenny

Worksheet

Dot Day Creative Worksheet

1. Choose Your Dot Elements

From our Dot Day Brainstorming Chart, pick two design elements you want to use in your artwork.

  1. First element: ____________________________________


  2. Second element: __________________________________


2. Create Your Dot Artwork

Use the space below to design and draw your unique dot artwork. Remember to:

  • Incorporate at least two patterns or colors from our brainstorming chart.
  • Use dot stickers, markers, or pencils to add creativity.
  • Tell a story or share an idea through your dot.

(Feel free to draw lightly with pencil first, then add color or stickers.)





















3. Reflection

Answer the questions below to share your creative choices and what you learned today.

1. Which patterns or colors did you choose and why?







2. What story or message does your dot tell?







3. What did you learn about yourself as an artist today?







Great job! Be ready to share your dot artwork and reflections with the group. Keep exploring your creativity—every mark matters!

lenny
lenny

Activity

Dot Day Brainstorming Chart

Use this chart to capture all your creative dot ideas! When someone shares a word or phrase about dots, write it under the matching category—or add a new category of your own under “Other.”

CategoryIdeas
Size


Color


Pattern


Texture


Shape


Mood


Other


Instructions for the teacher:

  • Display this chart on chart paper or a whiteboard.
  • Invite students to shout out words or phrases as you read or summarize The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds.
  • Record each idea under its category. If a new category emerges (e.g., “Size,” “Movement”), add it in the “Other” row or insert a new row.
  • Encourage students to pick two elements from the completed chart to inspire their dot artworks.
lenny
lenny