Information about D.E.A.R. Day

D.E.A.R. stands for Drop Everything and Read. Schools often have D.E.A.R. time (sometimes called D.I.R.T., S.S.R., U.S.S.R., S.Q.U.I.R.T., F.V.R. or P.O.W.E.R.). It's when kids can read and enjoy the books they want, just for the pleasure of reading and with no questions asked!
This year, on April 12, 2006, we're celebrating National "Drop Everything and Read" Day. It's a partnership effort of Reading Rockets (www.readingrockets.org), the National Education Association (NEA), the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association, and HarperCollins Children's Books. The aim of this nationwide initiative is to encourage families to designate a special time to "drop everything and read" at home. So, on April 12th, families will be encouraged to take at least 30 minutes to put aside all distractions and enjoy books together.
The 90th birthday of beloved Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary is the official date for D.E.A.R. Day. Cleary's most popular children's book character, Ramona Quimby, is the program's official spokesperson. (The concept of "Drop Everything and Read" is referenced in the second chapter of Ramona Quimby, Age 8).