Drop Everything and Read Day

WHAT & WHEN

Every year,  the third Monday in October is designated as Drop Everything and Read Day; this year it is Monday, October 25.  The initiative began with the B.C. Teacher-librarians' Association a couple of decades ago and has continued since then in  elementary, middle, and secondary schools across the province.

Implementation looks different for every school -- and for every classroom.  In the past, teachers were asked to carve out  20-30 minutes of silent reading time in one or more of their classes on D.E.A.R. Day.  Students  are encouraged to read an article or book of their choosing.  However, if you'd like to have them read an article of interest and relevance to your subject/course, that works as well. 

This year, you are encouraged to use the new Focus block for D.E.A.R.  Students choosing Focus time in the library will be asked to choose a book or magazine article and to read quietly for that time.

INCENTIVES & LIBRARY SUPPORTS

There will be a draw for student and staff participants who wish to enter for a few draw prizes.  Students who read for the 20 minutes have the option of filling out a ticket with their name, grade, title of what they read on D.E.A.R., and why they'd recommend it.  Draw prizes will be for reading-related items and a gift certificate to a local bookstore

Tickets for staff and students will be provided in your office mailboxes a few days before D.E.A.R.  Bring your tickets to the library and pop them in the appropriate box (one for student entries;  one for staff entries).

If you'd like suggested resources for your students and want to ensure they are prepared with a book or article, arrange for a visit from Wendy to your class.  There are engaging, top-notch non-fiction resources for all subject areas and many  fiction and general interest non-fiction resources.  Sometime, students just need to see what's available by having a class visit. Wendy can bring books to your classroom, or you can bring your students to the library.