Drop Everything and Read Day

D.E.A.R. stands for Drop Everything and Read. DEAR Day is a special celebration in order to remind and encourage all families to spend time on reading together every day.

History of Drop Everything and Read Day

This holiday is celebrated on the birthday of Beverly Cleary, author of Ramona Quimby, Age 8. To honor the author and the joys of reading, celebrate the holiday by reading Ramona Quimby, Age 8 on DEAR Day.

When Beverly Cleary's children were young, they participated in the DEAR program at school. Their interest and enthusiasm for this particular reading activity inspired Ms. Cleary to bring a similar experience to Ramona Quimby, who was able to enjoy an FUN with the rest of the class at Ramona Quimby, 8 years old.

How to celebrate Drop Everything and Read Day

When author Beverly Cleary's kids were in school, they joined D.E.A.R. time (Drop Everything And Read). Cleary liked the concept so much that she put together D.E.A.R. into her famous Ramona Quimby book, and the idea worked! In honor of Cleary, April 12 (her birthday) is National Drop Everything and Read Day.

Although the D.E.A.R. targeting children, at Writer's Relief we clearly think, readers of all ages should celebrate! Because as we get older and life gets busier, it can become increasingly difficult for adults to drop everything and read. Many adults who enjoyed reading as children have now lost weeks, even months without reading the book. Time to start reading again!

Choose a special location.

At school, teachers try to make reading fun. (A Writer's Relief employee is allowed to climb under the teacher's desk and turn it into her own little reading room.) Changes in language and setting can make reading a book desirable.

Adults can do the same thing (although cramming under a desk may not be as comfortable as it is now)! Choose somewhere special for your reading time, whether it is your bed instead of the couch, the coffee shop you have always been meant to go to, and a public park on a nice day — whatever. What helps you to avoid distractions (grocery list, urgent laundry, work you brought home, etc.) and focus on reading!

Read any books you would like to read

Just because you are, an "adult" does not mean you have to limit your reading to stuffy, "respectable" books. Here is a secret: You can read whatever you want to read! The New York Times bestsellers and classics are okay for some, but they are not the only books worth reading. There are many books available in dozens of styles and genres.

So if you want to dig into a mystery or even the latest novel instead of Anna Karenina, do not hesitate. Read what you like.

Treat your reading time as non-negotiable.

Let your family and friends know that your reading time is just for reading. If you set the expectation that you do not want to be interrupted for thirty minutes, it is probably a lot easier to actually keep your reading time just for reading.

Read aloud with friends and family.

Reading does not have to be silent and alone. Gather a group of your friends or family members together and take turns reading aloud! It can be very interesting to hear how others think a character speaks or what parts will be read softly or with great animation. You can have a completely new perspective on what is happening in the story!

Start a book club.

Book clubs are a good way to keep a reading schedule. Knowing that you have a permanent engagement to discuss chapters will help motivate you to take the time to read. After all, you do not want to be the only one who doesn't get caught up in the discussion!

Borrow instead of buy.

You are more likely to try new genres or read more books if you do not have to hand over your hard-earned money every time. Check out the services in your local public library, its variety and selection may make you surprised! Libraries today are not limited to dusty old books on shelves. You will find the best-selling books available, and you can borrow eBooks. In addition, if you are not sure what your next reading should be, the librarian will be happy to help you choose.

Here is a bonus for hardcore adults: Libraries are a quiet haven, the perfect place to escape the daily chaos and enjoy some peaceful time surrounded by solitude by books.

Self-awarded.

Many teachers extend D.E.A.R. Day activities outside of the official day; encourage students to “Drop Everything and Read” several times a week at home. For each thirty-minute reading block completed, students will receive a sticker or smiley on their chart. When the child reaches a certain number of stickers or smileys, the child will receive a reward.

You do not have to create a sticker chart for yourself although you can if you want! However, you can think of something similar to keep yourself motivated to read. For every three chapters read (or any number of pages you like), you will earn rewards: a new book, lunch at your favorite restaurant, an hour of sinful fun TV shows, sleep on Saturday… whatever makes you happy!

Reading is a great lifelong hobby, and we love that this holiday highlights not only the act of reading, but also the act of taking time to read with purpose. Grab a book and celebrate Drop Everything Day and Read Day! Happy reading!