Celebrate D.E.A.R. Day: Drop Everything and Read!
April 12th is D.E.A.R. Day — a national celebration that reminds children (and grown-ups!) to pause their day, grab a good book, and enjoy the magic of reading. For preschoolers, it’s a simple and joyful way to build early literacy skills while helping them see reading as something fun, relaxing, and worth stopping for.
At Reading in Preschool, we love D.E.A.R. Day because it takes the pressure off and shows children that reading isn’t just a lesson — it’s an adventure.
What Is D.E.A.R. Day?
D.E.A.R. stands for Drop Everything And Read.
It’s a tradition that began with the book Ramona Quimby, Age 8, where Ramona’s class stops everything for a quiet reading break. Today, schools and families across the country celebrate by setting aside a special time to read just for enjoyment — no worksheets, no assignments, no expectations. For preschoolers, this makes reading feel calm, cozy, and inviting.
Why D.E.A.R. Day Matters for Preschoolers
A simple daily reading break helps children:
Strengthen listening and attention skills
Build vocabulary
Develop early comprehension
Learn that books can comfort, entertain, and inspire
See reading as a part of everyday life
Even a 5–10 minute read-aloud has a huge impact on early literacy development.
Fun Ways to Celebrate D.E.A.R. Day with Preschoolers
1. Create a Cozy Reading Spot
Set up a corner with pillows, blankets, and a basket of picture books. A comfy space makes reading feel special.
2. Set a “Drop Everything” Timer
Pick a time of day — morning, after lunch, bedtime — and when the timer goes off, everyone stops and reads. Kids love the surprise element!
3. Let Your Child Pick the Book
Choice is powerful. When children choose their own book, they engage longer and enjoy the story more.
4. Read With Expression
Use silly voices, whisper-reading, or dramatic pauses. Your enthusiasm helps children connect with the story.
5. Make a D.E.A.R. Bookmark
Have children decorate a simple bookmark. Crafts strengthen fine motor skills and make reading feel personal and fun.
Great Books for a D.E.A.R. Moment
Choose simple, engaging stories such as:
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
These stories are short enough for young attention spans but rich in rhythm and repetition — perfect for early learners.
Make Reading a Daily Habit
D.E.A.R. Day is a wonderful reminder that even a few minutes of shared reading can make a big difference. When preschoolers see reading as enjoyable and comforting, they develop the confidence and enthusiasm that builds strong lifelong readers.
At Reading in Preschool, every lesson is designed to spark that same excitement — one book, one moment, and one child at a time.
