Make your mark

As adults we can relate to those moments where doubt creeps into our minds and paralyses us. These same feelings of inadequacy can be felt by our children from an early age. It is our role as parents/guardians to support our children and boost their self esteem in a way that has a lasting impact. We can do this by labelling and praising effort and avoiding any form of harsh criticism. Sometimes the hardest thing for a child to do is to take that first step in trying something new. The fear of failure can be scary for them. How can we give them the confidence to give that something a go? By creating a space for them to try (and fail)? By being patient - letting them make their move (or mark!) when they are ready? In the book titled, The Dot, by Peter H Reynolds, Vashti's teacher is exemplary in the way she approaches her student's self doubt. She doesn't dismiss Vashti or reprimand her for not producing a work of art. She rather meets Vashti where she is and supports in the process of finding the courage to put pen to paper.

The Dot, tells the story of a young girl, Vashti, who refuses to draw anything in art class and claims its because she "can't draw". Her supportive teacher holds space for Vashti's feelings and without pressurising Vashti, encourages her to make a mark and see where it takes her. Feeling fed up and frustrated, Vashti jabs the blank paper with the pen. At the request of her teacher, she signs the page and hands back "the dot" to her teacher. The next day, Vashti returns to art class to find her signed "dot" framed in gold and hanging on the wall next to her teacher's desk. Annoyed, Vashti figures she can do a better job and sits down with her never-before-opened paints to draw another... then another dot. At the school art show a few weeks later, Vashti's dot series is displayed in all its glory for everyone to see. A little boy admiring the dots, tells Vashti he wished he could draw. After that de-ja-vu moment, Vashti asks the little boy to draw a line... and sign it!

Title: The Dot

Author & Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

What's to LOVE about this book:

• The simplicity of this book together with its rough sketchy illustrations are fitting in delivering the books message(s).

• A beautifully conveyed story of self discovery.

• Peter's brilliance in developing relatable characters in only a few pages with minimal text.

• The author's use of subtle humour.

• A watercolour palette is skillfully used to convey Vashti's underlying feelings

Favourite Quote:

"Just make a mark and see where it takes you."

Messages:

• We ALL have that creative spark within us, if only we just make a mark and see where it takes us.

• All journeys start with taking that first (courageous!) step.

• If we put effort into something, the results can surprise us and inspire others.

• A powerful example of growth mindset - if we change our thinking, we can change lives.

• We have the opportunity to encourage others to shine too.

• Never underestimate humble beginnings.

If you'd like this book for keeps, here is a link to buy it:

Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3QUMY6W

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4lcU8Bp