There are days to celebrate Earth, animals, food—and even quirky themes like donuts and handwriting! But there’s one special creative celebration that not everyone knows yet: International Dot Day, observed every year on September 15.
This day is inspired by the beloved children’s book The Dot by author-illustrator Peter H. Reynolds. The story encourages kids to “make their mark” and believe in their creative abilities, even if they start with just one little dot.
Dot Day is now a global celebration of creativity, courage, and self-expression. Schools, homeschoolers, and art educators use this day to help children explore their imagination—with dots, circles, and endless possibilities.
🎯 Why Dot Art?
Dots are simple, universal, and perfect for early learners. Through dot-themed art, children develop:
- Fine-motor skills
- Color exploration
- Emotional confidence
- Creative storytelling
- Pattern recognition
- Art appreciation (think pointillism and modern art styles)
Dots are a fun entry into art for toddlers through middle-school kids.
🖌️ Supplies to Try for Dot Art
You don’t need fancy tools—anything round or point-making works!
- Paint & crayons
- Felt markers
- Cotton swabs (Q-tips)
- Finger paint
- Sponges
- Round stickers
- Buttons
- Pom-poms
- Bottle caps
- Corks
- Circle punch
- Craft paper scraps
- Pom-pom dabbers
- Toothbrush ends
- Bubble wrap stamping
And of course… fingers and thumbs!
✅ 20 International Dot Day Art Projects for Kids
Let’s explore hands-on, creative projects kids can enjoy at school or home.
1️⃣ Thumbprint Dandelion Art
Kids dip their thumb in paint and stamp dots to create a fluffy dandelion design.
Great for preschool and kindergarten fine-motor development.
2️⃣ Crayon Dot Patterns
Use only crayons to fill a sheet with dots in shapes, spirals, or random patterns.
This quiet activity builds patience and creativity.
3️⃣ Q-Tip Pointillism Painting
Dip cotton swabs in paint to make tiny dot clusters.
Kids love creating animals, shapes, letters, or their names.
4️⃣ Dot Letter Collage
Write the first letter of the child’s name or use stickers to outline letters.
Stamp dots around it to create a magical reveal.
5️⃣ Polka-Dot Garland
Punch circles from colorful paper and thread them into a festive banner.
Perfect for classrooms or playrooms.
6️⃣ Bubble Wrap Dot Printing
Roll paint on bubble wrap and stamp it on paper.
Create patterns, skies, flowers, or abstract art.
7️⃣ Button Dot Canvas
Glue buttons on canvas or thick card for a tactile dot collage.
Great for sensory and texture-based learning.
8️⃣ Sticker Dot Animal Collage
Use dot stickers to fill in simple animal outlines—fish, butterflies, birds, dinosaurs.
Teachers love this as a no-mess group activity.
9️⃣ Pom-Pom Dab Painting
Dip pom-poms into paint and dab circles on paper.
A toddler-friendly finger-paint alternative.
🔟 Circle Punch Mosaic
Punch circles from craft paper and glue into patterns, rainbows, or landscapes.
Encourages color sorting and planning.
1️⃣1️⃣ Nature Dot Stamping
Use twigs, stones, and leaves to stamp natural shapes filled with dots.
Blends outdoor learning with art.
1️⃣2️⃣ Confetti Dot Art
Use paper scraps or tissue circles to make abstract confetti art.
Kids sprinkle and glue dots wherever inspiration hits.
1️⃣3️⃣ Dot Mandala for Kids
Show children how to create simple circular dot mandalas using paint or markers.
Calming, mindful, and visually stunning.
1️⃣4️⃣ Dot Crown or Headban
Decorate a cardboard crown with dot stickers, pompoms, or painted dots.
Celebration meets creativity!
1️⃣5️⃣ Pointillism Landscape
Introduce Georges Seurat in kid-friendly language.
Kids make sunsets, trees, oceans, or parks using only dots.
1️⃣6️⃣ Emoji Dot Faces
Cut circles and decorate them like emojis—happy, silly, sleepy, surprised.
Boosts emotional expression skills.
1️⃣7️⃣ Dot-Decorated Photo Frame
Kids transform simple cardboard frames with dots and stickers.
Frame their Dot Day artwork for display!
1️⃣8️⃣ Paper Plate Dot Art
Paint circles on paper plates or glue colorful dots.
Add strings and hang as spinning dot mobiles.
1️⃣9️⃣ Dot Day Friendship Cards
Kids make small dot-themed cards and share them with classmates.
Teaches kindness + art expression.
2️⃣0️⃣ Mixed-Media Dot Galaxy
Combine black paper, paint splatters, metallic pens, and sticker dots to create a starry sky.
Inspired by creativity + science = win-win!
🌈 Encouraging Creativity & Confidence
Dot Day isn’t just about circles. It’s about:
- Trying something new
- Believing in your abilities
- Seeing potential in simple beginnings
- Making your mark proudly
When children finish their art, ask:
✨ What feeling does your dot represent?
✨ What name would you give this artwork?
✨ How did you decide your colors?
✨ How did making this dot make you feel?
Art becomes emotional learning too.
🎤 Teacher & Parent Tips
- Display children’s dots on a “Gallery Wall”
- Let kids talk about their artwork
- Avoid correcting their creative choices
- Celebrate unique interpretations
- Use storytime to introduce Dot Day ideas
- Play soft music during art time to increase creativity
🌍 Make Your Mark. See Where It Takes You.
International Dot Day celebrates imagination, bravery, and creativity.
From toddlers making thumbprints to older kids exploring pointillism, every project begins with one tiny dot—and grows into something amazing.
Let children explore without limits. Give them paint, crayons, paper… and permission to start small and dream big.
Happy Dot Day — go make your mark! 🎨✨