Connect the dots (also known as dot to dot or be a part of the dots) is a form of puzzle containing a sequence of numbered dots. When a line is drawn connecting the dots the outline of an object is revealed. The puzzles frequently contain simple line art to raise the image created or to assist in rendering a complex part of the image. Connect the dots puzzles are frequently created for children. The use of numbers can be replaced with letters or other symbols.
In adult discourse the phrase “connect the dots” can be used as a metaphor to illustrate an ability (or inability) to affiliate one idea with One more, to find the “big picture”, or salient feature, in a mass of data.
Reuven Feuerstein points the connection of dots as the first tool in his cognitive construction program.
The vacationing salesman problem asks what numbers to assign to a set of points to limit the length of the drawing.
