by Calin Ratlief and Brianna Hayes
Sustained silent reading by students and staff occurs every Monday for 20 minutes during sixth block as a part of the restructuring of Drop Everything and Read.
Research shows that silent reading develops independent readers, which can help improve grades and test scores.
“As little as 15 minutes of sustained silent reading a day can make a big impact on students’ vocabulary, reading comprehension and overall test scores,” librarian Brooke Davis said.
Many students said everyone is on board with reading during DEAR, which was not previously required by all teachers.
“Last year it really wasn’t enforced, so it’s kind of a whole new thing,” senior Michael Props said.
Principal Ann Marie Seely said she recognizes the value of silent reading for every student.
“The principal is very sold on the positive aspects of reading, and she wants everyone to have the chance to read and discover,” librarian Virginia Brown said.
Junior Chelsea Jones said she likes that DEAR has more structure and wishes that it were longer.
“I actually like being forced to read because I don’t read on my own,” Chelsea said.
Sophomore Bailee Hancock said that she likes silent reading.
“I like how it’s a nice quiet time for everybody to stop and read,” Bailee said.
Last year, Ms. Brown and Mrs. Davis applied for a “Community of Readers Grant” from the Henrico Education Foundation to raise money for books for students to read during DEAR. The school received $2,000, which it used to purchase class sets of “The Other Wes Moore,” “Thirteen Reasons Why,” “Pregnant Pause,” “Gym Candy” and “Unwind.”
Physical education and health teacher Gretchen Hiort is reading “The Other Wes Moore” with her students.
“You have so many opportunities to experience so many things through a book,” Mrs. Hiort said.
Algebra II and geometry teacher Jennifer Berg said that the DEAR program helps students in subjects other than English.
“I believe by reading, students increase their vocabulary and their ability to understand the written word,” Mrs. Berg said.
Ms. Brown said she hopes reading in school will transfer to outside of school.
“Not every student has the chance to have some quiet time to read and to think about what they read,” Ms. Brown said. “Reading is probably the most important thing that you can do. It’s a small thing, but it could have a big impact.”
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