D. E. A. R.

                                                      D. E. A. R. 

I am really looking forward to this week's literacy focus with daily activities planned to support DEAR. What is it you say? D. E. A. R. stands for "Drop Everything And Read" and originates from author Beverly Cleary. It is also known as "Sustained Silent Reading". The purpose is to encourage students to pick up a book and devote 20 - 30 minutes simply for the pleasure of reading. 

In the book Ramona Quimby age 8, Ramona is pleased to discover she can read a book without having to do a book report, vocabulary words, or discuss the book with others. She is thrilled to know she can sit by herself and get lost in her book. Ramona and I have so much in common!

I have a framed print in my room that says, "I have so much to do but all I want to do is read." As a student, D.E.A.R. would have been my favorite time of the day. I hope students as CSF are just as excited about a chance to stop everything and read a good book. 

On this blog you will see the Author link where I have provided links to some of my favorite authors websites for students to explore. You can also hear author Lester Laminack read his book, Saturdays and Teacakes,  and find out where author Lois Lowry got the idea to write her book, The Giver. Lois Lowry wrote the book in 1993 and was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1994. The award is given each year for the most distinguished contribution to literature. The book was recently made into a movie and was released in August. 

So this week when it becomes time to D.E.A.R. you will find me with my nose buried between the pages of a great book!!