In the lab, the third graders learned the Windows 7 version of Paint as they created dot pictures for International Dot Day 2012. Two weeks ago, the computers in our lab were upgraded from Windows XP to Windows 7. Of course, that meant a new Paint program but the students decided that, although it didn’t look quite the same and it took some getting used to, they preferred the new program to the older, familiar one!

After reading, The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds, and brainstorming what a dot could be, the instructions were to “make something from a dot.” There were questions of, “Can I draw . . .” but my answer was, “You are the artist, so you make that decision.” We had dot designs, happy faces, peace signs, pigs, dogs, caterpillars, and more. Rachel used her dot as an eye for an alligator.

Lauren and Sasha drew a huge circle and then illustrated their picture inside that dot!

Now, to showcase ALL the third grade work!