D.E.A.R.: Drop Everything and Read
Beverly Cleary first wrote about D.E.A.R. in her book, Ramona Quimby, Age 8.
Having your own D.E.A.R. is simple: choose a set amount of time (as little or as long as you’d like) for everyone to drop everything and read. You get to participate too.
No chores. No schoolwork. No homework, housework, or obligations.
Drop Everything and Read!
Beverly Cleary passed away in March 2021, and we honor her memory by carrying on our own practice of D.E.A.R. in our homes.
Getting ready:
There’s no need to complicate this, but it’s a good idea to prepare for your D.E.A.R. by getting some snacks ready. (Life is better when snacks are involved, right?)
Popping a giant bowl of popcorn or busting out a fresh box of popsicles isn’t a bad idea. Of course, you could always do like Ramona and serve a bowl of apples, with a bite taken from every one!
There are no rules here.
You can read anything you like for D.E.A.R., and it can last as little or as long as you’d like.
And while April 12 (Beverly Cleary’s birthday) is generally favored as the “official” D.E.A.R. Day, you may just enjoy it well enough to make it a part of your regular routine.
Have fun and D.E.A.R!
Favorite books by Beverly Cleary:
![The Ramona Collection, Vol. 1: Beezus and Ramona / Ramona the Pest / Ramona the Brave / Ramona and Her Father [4 Book Box set]](https://readaloudrevival.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/51zBRfvop3L.jpg)
lts the first time m hearing about this program or event. m so excited n can’t wait to try it about school. Although it’s late in the year l think we will have a belated celebration.
Thanks. This sounds like so mucb fun!
My children, now 35 and 39, had D.E.A.R. at their Elementary School in Damascus, MD. It was announced over the loudspeaker and everyone, including the janitor read for 15 minutes. Everyone loved it, and it fostered such a love for reading! I am excited that the idea is making a comeback!!!!!
Love this story so much, Ginette!
I have a question. Is there something similar to this that an aunt could do with her niece? My daughter is 10, and my sister was wanting to do something together with her, when they don’t have much opportunity to see each other very much. Any suggestions?
It is superb! What a great idea… I am sure that kids are going to love it. I am bookmarking it now so I can share with some my homeschooling friends. Thanks for sharing.
The amount of wonders to be seen in 100 years! Happy birthday Beverly Cleary! You’ve done outstanding work. This sounds like a ton of fun! Is this going to be a regular event?
What Romana book should be read first? I am confused if they should be read in order of publishing or not. Sorry for what is probably a silly question!
I’m sorry I missed this when you posted it! You can read them in any order, really, but Beezus & Ramona is first.
I keep trying to get the READ stuff but it isn’t working; hopefully this time it works.
We are on board, how much fun!
So much fun we will be on board!
Thank you, looks exciting 👏🏻
Thank you so much!
I am looking forward to doing this with my grandchildren
My kids are so excited about this – thanks for putting it together! I think my daughters are actually going to host some girl friends to read their favorite passages from Ramona Quimby, Age 8, do some of the recommended activities, and watch Ramona & Beezus. (I’m mostly excited about setting up a “school pictures” photo booth! HA!)
How fun. My 6 year old is eating up the Ramona books.
Such a cool idea! April 12 is the last day our Classical Conversations community meets, so we will be tied up with end of year festivities; but I’d bet that Ramona would approve of us postponing to the 13th. ;-)
This is great! We just finished The Mouse and the Motorcycle series yesterday. The kids are going to love celebrating this special occasion. Thank you for the kit!
Love it! Thank you!!!
What a fun idea! Thank you!
What a cool idea! The kids will enjoy the break in routine. Now, if only I could get my hubby to pick up a book… ;)