As we turn back the clocks on November 3, and look forward to the Winter months, let’s reflect upon the value of reading. It has been said “Reading today…Leads to Leaders tomorrow.” D.E.A.R., which stands for “Drop Everything and Read,” is a national celebration of reading designed to remind families to make reading a priority activity in their lives.
It is a time to promote the pleasure of reading, especially when you have staycations, down time, or a time set aside to read for a quick 15 minutes. It doesn’t matter what you read, just keep reading. Through an initiative sponsored by Springfield Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Grenita Lathan, everyone in the district is being encouraged to D.E.A.R.
Reading can expand our understanding of the world and help us see things from a different perspective. The more we read, the more we learn, and the more we grow as individuals. Reading can also help us develop empathy. When we read a book, we step into the shoes of the characters and see the world through their eyes.
Research has shown that reading can:
- Help students develop a love for reading and improve their reading habits
- Increase knowledge: Students can learn new information from books they might not otherwise choose
- Increase reading comprehension
- Improve academic performance
- Reduce stress: Reading can help reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing
- Promote empathy: Reading can assist in seeing things from another perspective
- Improve confidence: Reading can help students develop confidence in reading aloud
- Improve communication skills
Thanksgiving break is just around the corner and this would be a perfect time to D.E.A.R., just drop everything and read. I would like to suggest two books from the reading corner of Reading with Ms. Gwen: All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson and Dad’s Mission for young readers written by Charlotte Johnson a former Springfield Public Schools educator, Central High School graduate and a Drury University Alum.
Happy Thanksgiving and be sure to D.E.A.R!
By Gwen Marshall,
UniteNews contributing writer
Coming Events:
November 4 Professional Day (Students Out)
November 5, 2024, No School, Election Day (Students Out)
November 25-26, 2024 Thanksgiving Break (Students Out)
November 27-29, 2024 Fall Break (District Closed)
