Guide Dots Celebrates Artists of All Kinds
At Guide Dots, we believe that every child deserves the chance to explore their creativity in a way that works for them.
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What is Guide Dots?
Guide Dots is a real art class in a box. We combine engaging video lessons with our unique Guide Dots method to help kids learn to draw—not trace. It's a hands-on art program that builds real artistic skills, confidence, and creativity.
We ship an all-in-one art class in a box to your door. Your child follows a video lesson while the dots keep their proportions on track — so they build genuine, hands-on drawing skills and finish projects they’re proud of.
Real drawing skills — no tracing
A video lesson with every project
Hands-on guidance that builds confidence
Why Guide Dots Works for Neurodiverse Learners
Our innovative, step-by-step art program is designed to meet the unique needs of neurodiverse children, and is proven to help those with autism, dysgraphia, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, and children who struggle with motor control.
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Structured Learning
Guide Dots breaks drawing into simple, manageable steps so children can focus on one task at a time without feeling overwhelmed.
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Building Confidence Through Small Wins
Every lesson builds on small successes, helping children develop confidence, persistence, and pride in their abilities.
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Encouraging Self-Expression
As technical skills improve, creativity takes over. Children gain the confidence to express themselves through artwork that's uniquely their own.
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Predictable & Self-Paced
Lessons can be paused, replayed, and completed at your child's own pace, creating a calm learning experience without the pressure of keeping up with a classroom.
Real Reviews, Real Results
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“We love Guide Dots at our house!
Fine motor skills. In public school, she was never able to finish her artwork in class because she worked slower than her peers. I found Guide Dots through a homeschool group online, and the techniques she learned are being used in her other free-time art creations. I have even let her teach me an art lesson, which we both enjoyed.I highly recommend Guide Dots for all kinds of diverse learners.
You'll love it!”—Gabe (age 8)
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“I just wanted to say thank you. I purchased this for my daughter who has autism and is 16 years old. She has loved this so much and has done so well working on those independently thanks to your guidance. I really do think you're amazing.”
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“I just wanted to come on here and say—wow! My son has dysgraphia and a bunch of other initials that follow... He has had fine motor delays since the beginning and little to no confidence with any kind of art supply or pencil in his hand. He just completed his first project—unwillingly at first—and now he is so proud of himself. That by itself is enough, but he also was very successful at it and really enjoyed the video instruction. Thank you so much for giving him a tool to help him find success at something art-related! We are all in complete shock at how well he did and are excited for future products!!”
—Laura
Begin with a Starter Kit
Perfect for first-time artists ages 4–7. The Beginner Starter Kit includes the Bright Board, premium art supplies, guided projects, and step-by-step video lessons to help your child begin learning to draw.
- Beginner-friendly projects
- Bright Board & premium art supplies included
- Builds foundational drawing skills
Perfect for growing artists ages 8+. The Intermediate Starter Kit builds on the fundamentals with more advanced projects, new art mediums, and step-by-step video lessons that continue developing real artistic skills.
- More advanced projects
- Watercolor & oil pastels included
- Fewer dots. More independence
Meet Ms. Cindra
Cindra McCoy is the art teacher, founder, and inventor behind Guide Dots. After earning her art education degree, she opened a small studio called Art Nook and created a brand-new method to teach kids how to draw.
Today, over 15,000 young artists have learned with Guide Dots, and Ms. Cindra still teaches every
single lesson.
Still Not convinced?
Try Guide Dots Free
Download your guides — grab your supplies — then press play on this free 30 minute art lesson and watch your child LIGHT UP with confidence in their drawing skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! Guide Dots uses both dots and light to help your child understand the intricate steps they need to take to create an image. There is NO tracing! They are creating their very own work—and it’s awesome!
Guide Dots is designed to be used with little to no adult support. After the initial setup, some children may need help getting the hang of the one-of-a-kind drawing process, but you will be surprised at how engaged they are once they get rolling.
How many kits you’ll want for your family depends entirely on the experience you are looking to create. The starter kit comes with plenty of supplies for two children; however, the projects cannot be done simultaneously. If your kids are good with taking turns or you are hoping to engage them at different times during the day, one starter kit will work. If you are trying to create a “classroom-like” environment where multiple children are creating side by side and, as a result, you get some mama/papa peace, then we recommend purchasing multiple starter kits.
Absolutely! If you have not ordered, see our state funding page for specifics on the programs we are in. Approval time depends on your state funding provider (i.e. Classwallet, Odyssey, etc). If you have ordered and are wanting to know your approval status, it is best to reach out to your specific state funding provider to get the status of approval. Once approved, you should receive tracking information from Guide Dots when your starter kit has shipped.