Hello there!  Thanks for visiting today!  Here's a great opportunity to add some excitement into your "Read to Self," Silent Reading, DEAR, ... time by celebrating:




Background

If you're wondering how April 12th was chosen for National DEAR Day, here's the lowdown from the official Drop Everything and Read site from HarperCollins Children's Books:

You may remember that Beverly Cleary wrote about D.E.A.R. in Ramona Quimby, Age 8. Since then, “Drop Everything and Read” programs have been held nationwide on April 12th in honor of Mrs. Cleary’s birthday. We figured, why not “drop” the “day” and celebrate our beloved author, her timeless stories, and the joy of reading for the full month. So, “drop” by this website all month long in April and anytime you want to make reading a priority! 
 

Check out the new cover of Ramona Quimby, Age 8 ~ the book that started this holiday:

Click on the book to read more at Amazon.

Ways to Celebrate

*Have a school-wide DEAR time when everyone is silently reading at the same time.

*Watch a video interview with Beverly Cleary.  Click here to view an interview with Beverly Cleary on her 100th birthday!

*Have each student bring in their favorite picture/chapter books to share and tell why it's their current favorite.

*Check out this list of favorite read-aloud books here.  I'm always looking for new titles to share with my students since reading to them on the rug is one of my favorite times of the day.

*Read a chapter from Ramona Quimby, Age 8.

*Watch a video of the Squeakerfoot chapter from the short-lived Ramona TV series here.  I've watched all of these videos on a VCR, and they're really precious and old-fashioned (from 1988)!




Want More Information/Ideas?

Head here to read more:  Drop Everything and Read Day.


Do you celebrate National DEAR Day?  If so, I'd love to hear about your traditions! 

Happy Weekend!