Grade Level:   First 

Subjects:  English Language Arts, Fine Arts

Learner Outcomes: 

Students will use and practice good book-handling skills. 
Students will learn what to do when the D.E.A.R. music or bell sounds.
Students will self-select books to read during D.E.A.R. Drills. 
Students will respond to literature.

Duration of Lesson:  30 minutes (Recommended-3 times per week) 

Materials: 

 Books  

 Magazines  

 Newspapers  

 Brochures  

 Music tape or CD/player  

Computer
Printer
Internet Access
Digital Camera
Scanner

Teacher Notes:

Basketful or box of books, magazines, brochures of varying level of difficulty 
Selected music and player or bell

Procedures: 

1.  The children will be seated in a circle comfortably on the floor as the teacher shares with them materials from a box or basket (appropriately and varying leveled books, magazines, newspapers, and brochures).  
2. The teacher will model and discuss proper book handling skills as he/she shares with the class a variety of reading materials.  
3. The teacher will play and discuss the music or sound, which will serve as the prompt for today’s D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) Time, as well as D.E.A.R. Drills to be held in the future.  
4.  During the D.E.A.R. Drill, the children will self-select books and read for fun.  
5. Students will use a digital camera or camera and scanner to take and print out pictures of each other having fun reading, which will be displayed in the classroom. 
6. Students will visit an interactive story site to visit favorite story characters. 

Modifications:  Children who are new to book handling will be paired with more experienced readers or be invited to sit with the teacher to share books. For any hesitant reader who needs more motivation, try logging on to the Ringling Bros. site. Teacher will consult IEP and 504 plans for individual modifications. 

Enrichment Activities: 

1.  Selected children will use the digital camera to take pictures of others as classmates read for fun.  
2.  Print out pictures and post or display on closed circuit tv.  
3.  Create banners and /or signs to put up in the classroom, which warn the children to be prepared for frequent D.E.A.R. Drills.  

1.  Photographs of the children taken during D.E.A.R. Drills will indicate level of success and interest.  
2. The level of enthusiasm will be evident each time the music is played to announce a D.E.A.R. Drill.  

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:
English Language Arts:
Listening/Speaking/Viewing:  1.1, 1.13 
Reading Comprehension:  1.20, 1.32, 1.34, 1.37 
Computer/Technology 1.117 
Fine Arts:
General Art:  1.4

National Standards:
Language Arts:
Reading:  1.1, 1.3, 1.8
Listening and Speaking:  8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.6, 8.7
Fine Arts: 
Visual Arts:  1.1

References: 
Scholastic.com
Ringling Bros.
Barnes and Noble
Amazon
 
 

Overview

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3

Lesson 4

Lesson 5