The Dot
Creatrilogy Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Young children everywhere will enjoy my illustrated book The Dot. Young children will identify with the stick drawings and feel they can draw a story too. The Dot can talk to the reader, had a party with friends, got tired and slept under a tree, was hot on one day and cold on another, got stepped on and moved to a better place. The moral of the story is that children are small people who can talk, want to have fun, have feelings, and it is best to walk away when someone hurts you. Just like the Dot, you can find a better place.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
18 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the dot represents in the story?
How did Vashti's feelings about her art change throughout the book?
Can you think of a time when you felt discouraged like Vashti? What helped you feel better?
Why do you think Vashti’s teacher reacted the way she did to Vashti’s dot?
How can you encourage others, like Vashti did, when they are feeling unsure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you felt unsure about your abilities, relating it to Vashti’s experience. Encourage your child to draw their own dot and describe what it represents to them, fostering a connection with the book’s theme. Highlight the importance of positive feedback and ask your child how they feel when others support their efforts. Emphasize the value of perseverance and trying new things, even when they seem challenging at first.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Self-expression
Explanation: The story centers around a young girl who believes she cannot draw, but is encouraged by her teacher to make a mark and see where it takes her. Her journey with a simple dot artwork shows her creative potential.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express themselves freely through any form of art, realizing that creativity is not about right or wrong, but about making unique personal expressions.
Example Lesson: Confidence Building
Explanation: As the protagonist gains encouragement and positive reinforcement from her teacher and peers, she begins to build confidence in her abilities, leading her to explore and expand her talents.
Real-World Application: Positive feedback on small achievements can help children build self-confidence and encourage them to take on new challenges without fear of failure.
Example Lesson: The Value of Encouragement
Explanation: The teacher’s simple gesture of framing the protagonist’s dot ignites a transformative experience. This highlights the impact of a little encouragement and how it can change someone’s perspective.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire kids to support each other’s endeavors, understanding that their encouragement can have a significant positive impact on their peers.
Example Lesson: Growth Mindset
Explanation: The protagonist evolves from a hesitant beginner to a confident artist who learns to experiment and grow through her artwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of a growth mindset, understanding that skills can be developed through dedication and persistence, and that initial failure is just a step in the learning process.