Drop Everything And Read Day is a special reading celebration day that was designed to encourage families to make reading together each day a family priority and habit. Families are encouraged to read and enjoy books together for at least 30 minutes.
April 12 is also the birthday of the children’s author Beverly Cleary. Beverly Cleary received many letters from students who enjoyed D.E.A.R. time at their school. Beverly Cleary received so many letters that she decided to have her character Ramona Quimby enjoy D.E.A.R. time in her book Ramona Quimby, Age 8. Drop Everything and Read is celebrated for the entire month of April.
What is the purpose of drop everything and read?
DEAR is classroom time set aside for teachers and students to Drop Everything and Read. The goal of DEAR is to encourage independent silent reading for extended periods of time on a daily or weekly basis. Students choose the book they wish to read based on interest and ability.
DEAR Time in the classroom
DEAR time conveniently accommodates a variety of student interests and ability levels, since each student selects for themselves the book(s) they wishe to read. This special time supplements the regular reading program by encouraging independent reading.
Schedule DEAR time
DEAR is an important part of the daily/weekly classroom schedule. It is scheduled for the same time each day or week, thus students recognize that DEAR time is a priority and can look forward to this special period.
For families too!
Families can also participate by setting time for reading each day. For example, you can have a Family Read Aloud with younger children. Reading aloud sharpens a child’s emerging reading skills and you can have fun together with a good book. If the children are a little older you can have them retell stories in their own words, what happened first, next and last. This strengthens a child’s comprehension skills.
You can snuggle up with your little ones with a stack of picture books. By the way older children love picture books too. Fix a plate of cookies to munch on or hot chocolate to sip on together as you read. Tell each other about who your favorite character is, and why. Enjoy the time and make it special.
By the way, both Gertie Saves the Day and Two Wins for Wiley are available on Amazon. They are great books to share during DEAR Time.
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