The Dot

Title: The Dot

Author: Peter H. Reynolds
Illustrations: Peter H. Reynolds
Published: Reynolds, P. (2003). The dot. Somerville, MA: Candlewick.
Themes: art, teacher, inspiration, creativity, self-esteem

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Vashti does not believe that she can draw, in fact she refuses to draw at all. It isn't until her teacher encourages her to make a mark and see where it takes her that she learns her full potential. 

As an educator this book pulls at my heartstrings; what a beautiful story Reynolds has created about how teachers can inspire children to take a risk. Then going further, how students can inspire or teach other students.

I am constantly intrigued and inspired by Reynolds illustrations; they're so simple, yet stunning. Art can be a scary thing for children; they have an idea that there is a "right" way to do it. Once they get past their fears, art can be a very free and liberating experience. It's our job as teachers to help our students find their way to that point.

Classroom Ideas:
- Students receive a piece of paper and will create a dot/circle on that page. They will then create something or a scene from that dot. What will they create? (ex: a monster, a person, an animal, planets, etc.).
- Discussion: ask your students what constitutes as art? What makes someone an artist?
- Check out some Jackson Pollock's artwork (picture book Action Jackson). 
- Have your students create their own dot masterpieces using various materials.


Don't you just love this book?

Ish

Title: Ish
Author: Peter H. Reynolds
Illustrations: Peter H. Reynolds
Published: Reynolds, P. (2004). Ish. Somerville, MA: Candlewick.
Themes: art, artist, creative thinking, process, confidence

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Have you have the opportunity to read any of Peter Reynolds' book? Have you read The Dot. Wow. But that's a post for another day. Similarly to The Dot, Ish follows a young boy who just doesn't feel as though his drawings are "right". While his vase does not look exactly like a vase, it does look vase-ish. And his tree does not look exactly like a tree, it does look tree-ish.

I love this book because it is a little window into the idea that not everyone does things the exact same way.

Classroom Ideas:
- Have students write their own "ish" poems 
- Have students create their own "ish" drawings or watercolour paintings. This could also be a great lead in to looking at abstract art with your students.
- I think this could be a great book to have students do reader's theatre. It's short, it has different voices, and it has a powerful storyline. 
- PERFECT story to make some text-to-self connections (especially for younger students K-3). Have you ever felt that your art is just not "right"?
- Class Pledge - have your class promise that they will always do their "best job".



Can you think of any of 'ish' activities that students would love?