What Is a Dot? [Poetry Friday]

Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)

Today is International Dot Day, inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ The Dot! You know, we got home from our Florida trip (which was quite a bit more “exciting” than anticipated, due to Irma) on Tuesday evening. Wednesday morning, I had a work list a mile long, but I just felt the urge to write a poem for Dot Day. (Here’s more about Dot Day, if you’re not familiar with it.)

So, here’s my poem:>)

What Is a Dot?

It made me so happy that teacher Margaret Simon used this poem as a starting point for some awesome activities with her students, which she shared on her Reflections on the Teche blog. She is amazing, and the writing she leads her students to is always fun to see.

And for lots of wonderful poetry, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup with Michelle at Today’s Little Ditty!

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12 Responses

  1. Even though I already commented when I saw this poem in your FB group, It’s worth repeating— I LOVE this poem, Laura! I love the imagination, the voice, and the reading adventure it takes me on. And I love that it ends with the child. Perfect all around. (Did you see what I did there? All around? heeheehee) xo

  2. I love all the different images of a dot and how it can grow into just about anything. I love even more that it grows from Reynold’s book, joins a community of others, and spreads even further with Margaret’s students. I can’t wait to read what they wrote, too.

  3. Your dot-filled poem is inspiring, will look for Margaret’s post, too, Laura. Just reading it made me begin to look around my own office, wondering what I would add! Dot Day is quite special. I’m glad you were inspired and wrote!

  4. Laura, what a great contribution to Dot Day this is. Did you post it for that celebration? It fits the intent Peter Reynolds has for Dot Day.

  5. We had so much fun with your poem. A challenge, too, when faced with rhyme. It was hard to get the kids away from the forced rhyme nonsense. Gentle guiding, indeed.

  6. I adore this poem, Laura! I didn’t have a chance to read it last week, but I’m printing it and filing it away to share next year. Have you thought about turning it into a picture book? After all, “they all start[s] with a dot.” 🙂

    1. They do, indeed! And if a publisher wanted to turn this into a picture book, I’d be thrilled, of course. Unlikely anyone will, but thank you for the kind thought. I’m so glad you liked it!

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