Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R. time)

Hi!  I am Michelle from Teach123.  I am excited to be a guest blogger.

Have you read the book, Readicide, by Kelly Gallagher, yet? This book reminds me a little of the book, The Book Whisperer, by Donalyn Miller.  If you haven't read these books, they should be on your "must read" list.  Both authors agree that a quality reading program should include D.E.A.R. time.  They also stress the importance of choice in reading material, too. Reading programs can not be all teacher selected materials if you expect your students to be life long readers. Gallagher gives practical ideas that teachers can easily incorporate into their curriculum.  He stresses that the reading program should be balanced.  He adopts a 50/50 approach, which means 50% of the students reading is from recreational reading and 50% is from academic reading.  To make students accountable with their recreational reading, but not too cumbersome which could take away the enjoyment of reading, his students fill out a "one pager" after they read their recreational book.  They are expected to read one book per month for recreation.  The "one pager" is a reflection page that takes his students about 20 minutes to complete.  This book is full of practical ideas, and is supported with research.  Miller gives practical tips for finding time in your hectic schedule for D.E.A.R. time.  Both books are full of wonderful ideas that will help you "tweak" your program so your students will grow to love books as much as you do!

I found some other titles for S.S.R. (sustained silent reading) or D.E.A.R. time on the website, proteacher, and thought I'd pass them along.  There are some creative titles out there!  Here are some signs you can download.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SIGNS