The Dot Project at McGovern School

I recently met with Robin Hackett, art teacher at the McGovern School who shared with me the Dot Project. This started with Noelle Jackson a few years ago (who is now an art teacher at the high school). Mrs Hackett is in her 2nd year at the McGovern and enjoys continuing the tradition on. The book, The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds inspires us all to "make a mark and see where it takes you."
The character, Vashti, begins with not having the confidence to go out and create a work of art. "I just can't draw!" she exclaims to her teacher. But when she makes her mark, literally on a piece of paper, the teacher has her sign it and surprises Vashti by having it framed and hung on the wall when she returns to class. 

Its a book of fear, determination and perseverance. Its a great lesson for these young artists, some who feel like Vashti, that they can't draw.  After reading the book, Mrs. Hackett asks the 1st graders to create their own "dot". With the tools to do so, they cut out their circle in various sizes and create whatever they like. The students make 1 to 3 each, totally over 1,000 works of art. Mrs. Hackett displayed them on the walls surrounding the art room.

Here are some of their work:

From the website of Peter H. Reynolds

The Dot is the first of three books -- a trilogy of books dedicated to creativity. I call it the "creatrilogy." In this first book, we meet a girl named Vashti who has convinced herself she can not draw. Her teacher dares her to make a mark. Vashti makes one little dot on her sheet of paper... which turns out to be the beginning of her creative journey!

But The Dot is more than a book about art. It is a book that encourages us to be brave about expressing ourselves. It gently reminds us to start small and explore the IDEA. It is also a tribute to great teachers who know how to use humor, "off-the-path" approaches, and who have the vision to see the possibilities in EVERY student. The book ends off with Vashti sharing this gift with others, beginning a ripple of inspiration.

Q: Where did the name of the main character come from?

A: Vashti is the name of the main character in The Dot. This was inspired by a young girl who I met at a coffee shop in Dedham Square, Massachusetts. She was selling flowers to raise money for her school. After I bought a carnation, she asked what I was doing. I said, "Painting. Here... you can have this one. I'll sign it to you - what's your name?"

"Vashti."

I smiled. "Vashti? You're the very first Vashti I've met! Can I use your name in my next book?"

Her big brown eyes lit up. "YES!"

She disappeared with the drawing I had made for her. I have not seen her since. Perhaps one day she will discover The Dot and make the connection!