As students grow up, they are constantly learning new skills. For instance, students learn new academic material every year. Additionally, they explore new skills, such as dance and soccer, outside of school. Honestly, it takes a lot of confidence to try something new. Consequently, this means that many students do not try something because they do not have confidence in themselves. They want to avoid becoming embarrassed in front of others. This is exactly why teachers can focus on encouraging confidence with The Dot! Working on this social skill can change the lives of our students inside and outside the classroom.
Between the book and Read Aloud Activities, students will see how good it feels to have the confidence to try something new!
The Dot
Author Peter Reynolds wrote a fantastic book to inspire each child to believe in themselves no matter the situation.
Vashti does not see herself as an artist. She doesn’t think she can draw, paint, or design anything significant. While her art teacher believes in her, Vashi disagrees. So, to prove her point, Vashti grabs a piece of paper and draws a single angry dot in the middle. Thankfully, this single dot takes Vashti on a fantastic journey of self-discovery. Soon, she realizes everyone can be creative with just a bit of confidence.
Read Aloud Activities
While showing confidence in ourselves sounds easy, it never is. Sadly, it is easier to doubt ourselves and avoid trying. However, adults know what it feels like to regret not trying something and always wondering what could be. Luckily, encouraging confidence with The Dot is a great way to combine this essential social skill and academics!
Since teachers have so much to prepare, there is a teacher guide to outline the entire unit. Specifically, this contains all of the lesson plans needed. Additionally, it includes an introduction to help prepare students and sets the purpose for the story. Likewise, it has essential vocabulary words!
When encouraging confidence with The Dot, it is crucial to have discussion. This allows students to understand that everyone doubts themselves sometimes. Therefore, there are higher-level thinking questions and talking points to guide student discussion. Each question includes a page number, so teachers know exactly where to stop.
While discussion is essential to include in lessons, personal reflection is also critical. Students must reflect on the importance of having confidence in anything they try. Thankfully, encouraging confidence with The Dot has both aspects! There is a written response and activity sheet to help students believe in themselves. There are even differentiated options to ensure every student knows the importance of this social skill.
Furthermore, there is hands-on craftivity! Students will love how the craft connects the story to their lives.
Application
Teachers work hard to ensure students understand how the material taught in the classroom relates to life outside of school. Therefore, there are task cards that provide scenarios or thought-provoking questions. Ultimately, students will realize they can be brave and confident, just like Vashti!
There are different ways to use the task cards. Honestly, they work great for whole class or small group discussions. They even work perfectly for individual work time.
No Prep Resource
Teachers have to handle so much. Thankfully, the Read Aloud Activities are all no prep! Teachers just need to print the resources.
Confidence is a skill that students will use throughout their entire lives. However, it is hard to step outside a comfort zone and try something new. Luckily, encouraging confidence with The Dot will be an inspirational way to show students the power of believing in themselves!
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Get a Free Read Aloud Lesson!
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Save This Read Aloud
Be sure to save this pin to your favorite read alouds board on Pinterest! You’ll be able to come back to this lesson plan when you are ready to read it aloud with your students.
