It’s been called many things: SSR (Sustained Silent Reading), DIRT (Daily Independent Reading Time), and DEAR (Drop Everything And Read). But no matter what it’s called, research indicates that children who read for pleasure everyday are likely to read more proficiently.
But the joy of reading begins much earlier when a caring adult reads aloud to a child.
What do you read aloud to a young child? Whatever interests them! My Car by Byron Barton (Greenwillow) takes a colorful and informative look at cars with a surprise ending. Imaginative children who like to play dress up enjoy Jane O’Connor’s Fancy Nancy (HarperCollins).
There will be a special day in April to mark DEAR. It’s in honor of a special birthday. Some fantastic resources have been pulled together if you want to get a jump on DEAR Day activities.
About the Author
Reading Rockets’ children’s literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.
Publication Date
March 6, 2007