How to Make Your Own Connect the Dots

Start by deciding on a picture appropriate for your child. On a white sheet of paper, sketch the picture lightly with a pencil. This will provide you with an outline to place the dots.

Take a black marker and starting at the beginning point of your picture, draw several dots along the border. If your picture has more details than just a bordered outline, draw an additional set of dots to highlight the additional features. For instance, if you are drawing a balloon, you can easily draw the dots around the border to indicate the picture you want to represent. If you want your balloon to have eyes, nose and a mouth, draw a separate set of dots to represent those details.

Erase your pencil marks so that just the dots remain on your piece of paper. Make sure the pencil marks are completely erased so they do not give away the picture. With your black marker, fill in any additional details needed to complete your picture. For instance, you could draw a string and a set of eyes for a balloon.

Decide whether your dots will be numbered or lettered. The first dot should be labeled start with a black marker and the last dot should be labeled end. Starting with number 1 or letter A, label the rest of the dots in consecutive order, beginning with the dot following start and finishing with the dot before the dot labeled end.

Make a photocopy of your connect the dots picture so you can use it again in the future.

Give your child the picture and encourage her to do her best. Have her color in the picture when finished connecting the dots.