Dot Day Lesson Plan for Kindergarten Students

Topic: Dot Day

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to understand the message behind "The Dot" by Peter Reynolds and create artwork that reflects this message.

Materials

• Pencils
• Rulers
• Paper
• Colored pencils or markers (optional)

Warm-up

• Show students a picture of "The Dot" by Peter Reynolds and ask them what they notice about the painting.
• Ask students to think about what it might have taken for the dot in the painting to achieve its goal of becoming a dot on the page.
• Ask students if they have ever felt discouraged or afraid to try something new, and what they did to overcome this fear.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of perseverance and the importance of never giving up on achieving our goals.
• Explain that the dot in the painting had to overcome many obstacles in order to reach its goal of becoming part of the artwork.
• Ask students to think about a personal goal they have, and brainstorm ways they could overcome obstacles to achieve this goal.

Direct Instruction:

• Give each student a large piece of blank paper and encourage them to begin creating their own dot painting.
• Walk around the room and provide assistance as needed.
• Have students use the paint brushes to add dots of various colors to their paper.
• Encourage them to think about the obstacles their dot has faced and how they can overcome them.
• After finishing their dot paintings, have students place their work on the drying rack to dry.

Independent Practice:

• Once the students' dot paintings are dry, have them glue a small circle (such-as a hole puncher) to the center of their dot.
• Encourage them to think about the obstacles their dot has faced and how they can overcome them.
• Ask the students to share their dot paintings with the class and explain their message.

Closure:

• Have the students share their dot paintings and the message they have chosen to convey.
• Ask the students to think about how they can overcome the obstacles in their own lives.

Assessment:

• Observe the students as they create their artwork and provide feedback on their dot painting and message.
• Collect the completed dot paintings and messages and use them to assess the students' understanding of the book and their ability to apply its lesson in their own lives.