Free International Dot Day Activity (Creativity Challenges)
Teachers, are you looking for some free resources for International Dot Day?
Dot Day takes place on September 15th. The inspiration for the day comes from the book, The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds.
In the story, the main character, Vashti, doesn’t believe she can draw. Vashti’s teacher encourages her to just make a mark and see where it takes her. After the encouragement from her teacher Vashti begins drawing dots, making them bigger, better and more creative with each iteration and inspiring others along the way.
What will your students make out of a dot?
Creativity Challenges are a great way to encourage students to make their mark and see where their creativity takes them.
The goal of a creativity challenge is to help students think outside the box. In a creativity challenge, students are presented with a problem that they have to solve using their creativity. Typically these challenges are short lasting anywhere from 3-10 minutes.
By implementing these challenges on a regular basis students are able to exercise their creativity muscles.
30 CIRCLES CREATIVITY CHALLENGE
The 30 Circles Challenge is an example of a creativity challenge that you can use in your classroom. You can complete this challenge after reading, The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds.
Materials Needed:
30 Circles Recording Sheet or 12 Circles Recording Sheet (for younger students)
Pencil
Timer
Colored Pencils, Crayons, Markers (optional)
Have students complete this challenge individually or with a partner.
The goal of the 30 Circles Challenge is for students to turn as many circles as possible into recognizable objects in only 3 minutes. Older students will complete the 30 Circles Challenge, while younger students (preschool-first grade) should complete the 12 Circles Challenge.
Before students begin, explain to them that the focus is not on the skill of the drawings. Rather, students should be more concerned with getting as many ideas generated as possible.
At the end of the challenge have students share the ideas that they came up with. You may also want to give students a few extra minutes at the end to improve their designs and color them.
Students may not get all 30 circles filled in. That is okay. This challenge can be completed multiple times throughout the year so that students can see their improvement.
Download the free challenge sheets HERE.
If you try out this challenge please share photos on social media and tag us (@carlyandadam on Twitter and Instagram). You can also share your photos with us in our Facebook group, Elementary STEM Teachers with Carly and Adam.
Simplifying Your Planning Process
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