Neighbor News
Focusing on Connection as Students Return to In-Person Learning
Local author and educator aim to help K-3 students connect through their new book and community workshops.
April 13, 2021– With themes of connectedness, Dots, Lines, & Curves presents a timely tie-in as students return to in-person learning across Massachusetts. To be released on May 1, 2021, this children's picture book is a collaborative effort by two Salem residents: written by Dawn McGrath and illustrated by her wife, Maggie Doben.
Dots, Lines, & Curves addresses diversity and inclusion through a wide lens to invite all children to see themselves in the characters. These everyday objects come to life to show that we are all different and the same in varied ways. Through both similarities and differences, we forge meaningful and powerful connections. We can do more standing together than standing apart.
About the author: Dawn McGrath is an author whose work focuses on youth wellness by blending social-emotional learning, health literacy, and social justice education. After more than a decade as an educator and special education administrator, Dawn founded Well Together Now to develop wellness programs that underscore the correlation between connectedness and wellbeing. She is also the author of the BellXcel Ladders SEL Curriculum. You can find her most recent column in The Salem News with this link: Putting Relationships First in School Reentry
About the illustrator: Maggie Doben is a Marblehead Public Schools educator and 2018 Friends of Marblehead Public Schools grant recipient. She wrote her grant, Eyes Wide Open, to enhance the diversity of the Glover School library. Through this book, she continues to promote the power of inclusion and connectedness for our youngest students.
Dots, Lines, & Curves uses simple rhyme, collage, and creative exploration to highlight diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. Dots, Lines, and Curves live in their separate spaces. They are magnificent on their own. Still, something is missing. They see each other but don't connect, despite their curiosity. Eventually, with a bit of courage, they decide to play together and find inclusion much more fun for everyone. They find creativity and strength in diversity.
Dawn and Maggie are currently booking local Better Together children's workshops. These 60-minute classes include a read-aloud of Dots, Lines, & Curves and an extension activity (all supplies provided). Participants can also purchase a copy of the book signed by the author and illustrator. Contact Dawn to learn about hosting a workshop at your location. To preview and preorder a copy of the book, visit https://welltogethernow.com/wtn-curriculum-catalog/
Please visit https://welltogethernow.com to learn more about the author. Or reach out to Dawn directly by email: dawn@welltogethernow.com or by phone: 617-347-5295.