DEAR SHAPING READING HABITS AT ZALMA ELEMENTARY

There is something very unique taking place at Zalma Elementary School each weekday. Students here, in the middle of the daily studies in assigned classes are "dropping everything" -- to read.

DEAR, which stands for Drop Everything And Read, through a joint effort of the administration and staff, has crept into the school system, and is paying off for students.

DEAR is not a new concept among schools in general, but this is the first year Zalma has participated in the program.

During classes, usually following lunch, students are asked by teachers to Drop Everything And Read. The material can be a book from home, a magazine, a newspaper or any other resource that requires reading.

The program occurs each day at the school. Students are not tested, graded or assigned homework for their reading. It's simply a program that brings awareness to the ever-growing battle against illiteracy in schools.

All the students, along with the teacher of the class participates in DEAR. It doesn't stop there, however. Teachers have ventured even further into the program, requiring anyone who enters the classroom during DEAR time to sit down and read.

"It's working very well," said Gail Payne, a first-year fourth grade teacher at Zalma. "It's the best part of the day."

Payne said teachers select a time that best fits into their schedule each day and designates that time for DEAR.

There is no added pressure to the students. They are at liberty to choose their own material with no other requirement than to read.

DEAR normally lasts 15 to 20 minutes each day for each class. They read for the shear enjoyment of reading.

"It's a fact that the more students read the better they read," said Zalma Principal Stan Seiler, who was instrumental in initiating the program. "Reading is the foundation for education."

Students have become very active in reading since the program began this year. Many teachers think DEAR is the primary reason.

"If for some reason we can't have DEAR, the students are disappointed," Payne said. "They really enjoy the time of reading. They desire it each day."

One popular form of reading materials is books from the Child Craft Series, a series of books similar to encyclopedias.

Other students bring short stories or favorite books from their bookshelves at home.

"It's a great motivational tool for the students," Payne said. "I read about DEAR in college. I'm excited about participating in the program."