International Dot Day Activities Coming To Limestone University on September 14

Limestone University’s chapter of Educators Rising will host International Dot Day activities on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on the front campus.

Educators Rising will have crafting activities that encourage students of all ages to be lifelong learners and participate in creative and critical thinking. Students from local public schools will also in join the festivities on campus.

“Our Education students are making their mark, on the Limestone campus and beyond, by participating in Dot Day,” said Dr. Virginia Scates, Limestone’s Coordinator of Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. “Creative thinking allows students to use a variety of approaches to solve problems, analyze different viewpoints, adapt their own thinking. and arrive at new solutions for problems. Students learn to take risks, appreciate multiple perspectives, develop innovation, and teamwork skills.

International Dot Day originates from the children’s book, “The Dot,” by Peter H. Reynolds, which is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year. The story follows the creative journey of Vashti, a frustrated grade school student, who struggles through her insecurities to take courage in her artistic abilities.

"The Dot is about getting started – getting unstuck,” Reynolds says of his book. “It is also about creative teaching, exploring an idea in many ways, and sharing our gifts with others.”

In 2009, real-life teacher Terry Shay introduced his class to this book, and is recognized as the first celebration of what would become International Dot Day. Since then, the event has been celebrated by more than 22 million people in over 200 countries and sovereign territories. Teachers can encourage their students to participate on the day with writing, drawing, painting, and other creative endeavors.

The leadership of Limestone University’s Educators Rising chapter consists of Hannah Tiede, President; Kensley Scates, President Elect; Logan Cooley, Vice President; Hannah Lane, Secretary; and Sidney Scott, Marketing and Communications and Recruitment.

Students do not have to be Education majors to join Educators Rising, they just need a desire to learn more about the teaching profession and how to advocate for students, teachers, and the education field, Scates explained.