“Drop Everything and Read” (D.E.A.R.) is celebrated every year on April 12 in honor of beloved author, Beverly Cleary’s, birthday. You might also be interested in knowing that Ramona and her classmates participated in D.E.A.R. activities in Cleary’s book Ramona Quimby, Age 8.
At Red Apple Reading we believe it is always a good idea to pick up a book! This weekend, in honor of D.E.A.R. Day, here are 5 good reasons for parents to drop everything and read with their children.
- They’re Only Little Once – Believe it or not, one day your kiddo will be 18 and leaving for college or work. When that day comes, you won’t wish that you had spent more time cleaning the house. Your opportunity to cuddle on the couch and read a book together is now! So take advantage of every opportunity to drop everything and read with your kid – they are only little for a short while.
- They’re Watching You – We all cringe when we observe that our children have picked up a less than pleasant habit of ours. Why not model a positive practice for them to emulate? When you take time to stop what you are doing and pick up a book, you are sending a clear message to your child – that reading is important.
- There’s a Difference Between Important and Urgent – Sometimes as parents we confuse what is “urgent” with what is “important”. For instance, cutting grass that is up to your ankles is a task that seems urgent – it is an eyesore that is getting worse by the day. Reading with your child, on the other hand, is important because spending quality time with your little one is a meaningful activity. So while taking the time to read with your youngster may not be a ”pressing” matter, it is important and will ultimately have a greater impact than a well-manicured lawn!
- It’s Fun! – When one of my children asks me to read to them, it’s hard to stop what I’m doing and switch gears. However, I very often discover that once I sit down and begin reading I find myself enjoying the story. This happened a month or so ago when my oldest son wanted me to read some of The Horse and His Boy to him. I reluctantly told him I would read a few pages. Once I began, I got into the story and I read until he asked to be done!
- You Could Use the Break – Parenting is a 24/7 job. Our work is never done! There will always be clothes to fold, dinner to cook, and book bags to go through. Even parents need a break and sitting down for a few minutes and reading with your kiddo is the perfect pick-me-up. Chances are you will be more productive for having had the rest!
Red Apple Reading hopes you take the opportunity to drop everything and read with your children not only now, but at every opportunity possible to support and build their literacy skills all throughout their school years! Visit the “Drop Everything and Read” website for more information and resources.
