D.E.A.R. Day
D.E.A.R. Day, also known as Drop Everything and Read Day, is an annual celebration that takes place on April 12. As the name suggests, this holiday is intended for everyone to dedicate a significant period during the day to reading. The date is a reference to the birthday of one of the most renowned American authors, Beverly Cleary, as she was the first to create the concept of D.E.A.R. This celebration is still observed in the U.S. to this day and is a favorite of many students.
HISTORY OF D.E.A.R. DAY
Although the current national celebration of D.E.A.R. Day is relatively recent, it has older origins. Several schools across the U.S. and abroad are observing this annual remembrance and implementing several activities in the curriculum to honor this special day. The concept was first developed in one of Cleary’s books. In her book, “Ramona Quimby, Age 8,” a nationwide initiative of the same name begins, during which families dedicate 30 minutes to reading, putting aside all distractions.
An earlier version of the Drop Everything and Read celebration was held as a reading activity for schoolchildren in the U.S. as early as the 1960s. These activities were not held on specific dates and were mainly school activities. This, in part, inspired Cleary to turn this activity into a national celebration in many of her novels.
D.E.A.R. Day was established in 2006 by publisher HarperCollins Children’s Books, in collaboration with the National Education Association and other educational institutions, to commemorate American author Cleary’s 90th birthday. The observance was first intended as a reading celebration to promote silent, sustained reading as a school activity.
D.E.A.R. Day activities are no longer the same as they were previously. Cleary’s writings are responsible for much of the significance and celebrations associated with this observance. The various activities planned for this day are a fitting tribute to Ramona Quimby’s nationwide campaign.
D.E.A.R. DAY ACTIVITIES
1.Dedicate time to reading
It is the main activity and the most important thing to do to celebrate this day. There are numerous classics and contemporary bestsellers to choose from, but make sure to read a Cleary novel.
2.Take part in activities
Most schools and public libraries will hold some sort of celebration or communal activity. These events are frequently of general interest and open to the public, and they can be an engaging and rewarding experience.
3.Host a reading group
This is often a long-term project, but initiating one on D.E.A.R. Day is ideal. This will allow you to constantly read books and discuss them with other group members. You can also become a member of a book club.
WHY WE LOVE D.E.A.R. DAY
A. Reading is fun
Reading can teleport you from a fast-paced pirate adventure to a super-advanced space civilization to a relaxed, romantic retreat. It’s magic.
B. It helps children have a better future
Regular reading from a young age can significantly help a child’s lifelong education as one of the most common and important learning methods. Reading can improve one’s cognitive abilities in addition to providing numerous psychological benefits.
C. It is the best way to learn
Reading is a very intimate activity. By reading, we learn life lessons, discover new things about the world or engage our imagination. Books and literature have something to offer for all our reading needs.
References:
“D.E.A.R. Day” │ https://nationaltoday.com/d-e-a-r-day/