The Dot
by Peter Reynolds
Vashti believes she cannot draw, so her art teacher encourages her to start with just a dot. As Vashti experiments with colors, sizes, and designs, she discovers her creativity and gains confidence in her abilities. This inspiring story reminds readers that everyone can create something special when they are willing to try.
Reading Tips for Story Explorers
Find a comfortable space to read together
Slow down and enjoy the illustrations
Ask and answer questions together
Make reading part of your routine - bedtime is a great time for reading
Use these prompts to encourage deeper thinking with your children:
"Tell me more, why do you think that?"
"How do you know that?"
"Interesting, did you notice anything else?"
Phonemic Awareness
When introducing the book, share the title and notice these phonemic elements:
When introducing the book, share the title and notice these phonemic elements:
The first letter in the word Dot is Dd. This letter makes the sound /d/ like dog, dark, and danger. Let’s say that sound together: /d/, /d/, /d/. Point to the Dd in the title. Read the title together, emphasizing the sound /d/.
Ask the children to say the word after you. Show them the cover of the book and have them read the word out loud with you as you point under each word.
Vocabulary
stare: to look at something for a long time
frustrated: feeling upset when something is difficult or doesn't go the way you want
insisted: to say firmly that something should happen or is true
creativity: using your imagination to make or think of something new
signature: the special way you write your name that shows something is yours
encourage: to help someone feel brave enough to try or keep going
Questions to Discuss
Why was Vashti upset at the beginning of the story? What did she believe about her drawing abilities?
What did Vashti's teacher do to help her? Why do you think the teacher asked her to make a dot?
How did Vashti's feelings about drawing change throughout the story? What helped her become more confident?
What are some ways Vashti showed creativity? How did she turn one simple dot into many different kinds of artwork?
How did Vashti encourage another student at the end of the story? How did this connect to what her own teacher had done for her?
Have you ever thought you couldn't do something, but kept trying anyway? What happened? What is something new you would like to try?
Let's Play
The Dot Challenge!
Step 1: Start with a dot
Give the child a sheet of paper with one small dot in the middle, or let them draw their own dot. Explain that their job is to turn that dot into something special.
Step 2: Make it your own
Invite the child to transform their dots into anything they imagine. They might create an animal, a planet, a flower, a face, a pattern, or an entirely new invention. Encourage them to experiment with colors, shapes, and designs.
Step 3: Share and encourage
Invite the child to show their artwork to a friend or family member. Encourage your child with phrases such as: “I like how you used colors!” or “Your idea is so creative!”
