Inspired D.E.A.R. Ideas

D.E.A.R. Displays

  • Generate excitement about National Drop Everything and Read Day with a classroom or library display of Drop Everything Reads—those favorite titles that readers will want to drop everything for. Use the Drop Everything Reads booklist or create your own with student input. Have a form and drop box available for students to share their family favorite “drop everything” reads. Compile and add student comments to your display.

  • Feature the birthday girl with a window or tabletop display of Beverly Cleary titles, including the newly reissued Ramona backlist. Border your display with a time line created from important dates in Mrs. Cleary’s history or fill in with birthday party-themed fun, such as hats, streamers and balloons.

  • To get families big on books, think big. Extra-large D.E.A.R. banners and cut-out letters will attract attention to your Drop Everything and Read festivities. Use book jackets to form “D.E.A.R.” in a window or prominent wall or create the acronym using other interesting objects like Lego blocks, carpet squares, or silk flowers.
D.E.A.R. Activities

  • Get kids to put their creativity to use to make D.E.A.R. signs that will serve as reading reminders at home. For example, “D.E.A.R.” fashioned from pasta can help lead after-dinner readers to their books while a “D.E.A.R.” quilting square tucks readers in with a bedtime story.

  • D.E.A.R. stands for Drop Everything and Read—but what else do the letters D, E, A, and R inspire? Have students write a D.E.A.R. acrostic poem that tells their own reading story—about a favorite book, place to read, or reader—such as:

    Dad
    Every night he reads to me
    Actually it’s
    Really fun

  • Empower young readers by putting them in charge of their family D.E.A.R. celebrations. As kids are likely to have more experience with D.E.A.R. time than mom or dad, help make this their reading party. Students can make personal invitations for family members and choose where to meet and read—even what to wear (pajamas!) Encourage flexibility in setting at home D.E.A.R. time to avoid disappointment—call for D.E.A.R. “after dinner” or “after homework” rather than 7 p.m.
Especially for Older Readers
  • Find out what middle school and high school students set aside to make time for reading. Sponsor a Drop Everything and Read writing contest and read the winning essays aloud on April 12.

  • Ask older readers to take a look at their community and find out who is without books when it comes time to drop everything and read. Have students consider holding a book drive for new or gently loved books or raising funds to support local literacy programs.
In addition to the suggested activities above, please feel free to download and reproduce these National D.E.A.R. Day activities! (And, come back to the site between now and April 12 for more activities, as they are updated periodically!)

Sticker Template
Flyer
Bookmarks (vertical and horizontal versions)
Logo
D.E.A.R. Beverly Cleary Celebration Invitations
My D.E.A.R. Family Album
D.E.A.R. Logo (Print out the D.E.A.R. Logo and have kids put their picture where Ramona’s is, and decorate as they please!)

Additional D.E.A.R. Activity Ideas


D.E.A.R. Events

If you are short on planning time, it’s easy to connect other reading activities, such as National Poetry Month, School Library Media Month, etc., to the D.E.A.R. theme!
  • Drop everything and read—literally! Invite special guest readers to put down the tools of their trade—a doctor lays down her stethoscope, a chef his apron and spoon, a coach his ball and whistle—and pick up a book. Or go for the dramatic entrance—such as firefighters arriving in a fire truck and rushing in to drop everything and read!

  • Host a read-aloud workshop for parents. While a guest reader entertains the kids, have an educator or librarian hold a special session for parents on reading to their children.

  • Dish up family reading after the dinner hour with a “D.E.A.R. Sweet Endings” dessert and book party for families. Create cozy areas for family reading and to share tasty treats accompanied by titles like Strudel Stories by Joanne Rocklin or Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling. Or busy families will appreciate an invitation to the “D.E.A.R. Reading Buffet” where they can read their books and eat them too!

  • Invite Ramona to read. Have an energetic colleague aspiring to be an actress? Or know a professional storyteller willing to wear paper rabbit ears and cookie crumbs? Bring this rambunctious and enthusiastic reader to life to share her favorite books on National D.E.A.R. Day.

  • Take advantage of the scrapbooking craze. Invite children and parents to a family read-in and to start their “My D.E.A.R. Family Album,” a scrapbook of their family reading adventures.

  • Hold a birthday party for Beverly Cleary. Read chapters from her titles about Ramona’s parties and serve cake with whipped cream—one of Ramona’s favorites! Have poster board available for guests to write their birthday wishes to Mrs. Cleary on her birthday!