Drop Everything And Read Day

Drop Everything And Read Day is April 12, Beverly Cleary's birthday! I started celebrating Drop Everything and Read Day a few years ago. Before that, I used to give away books in honor of National Library Week; this seemed like more fun. Now I give my students' kids books for Drop Everything and Read Day - I give out Beverly Cleary books to the older sibs where appropriate, of course. And I give out bookmarks that I made, since even the kids and adults who have never seen Ramona love bookmarks. Here is my bookmark for this year, adapted from material from the DEAR site.

- Ann Daniels

Health Literacy - a hot topic in your community?

Hello friends, We've had several family literacy programs on health topics over the past couple of years, most recently on the subject of children and other family members with asthma. It seems now that health literacy is a hotter topic than ever among hospitals, community organizations, etc. Has anyone else noticed this in their communities? Have you participated in health literacy programs, summits, etc. with community organizations, funders, or the like? Please comment and let us know what you have been doing - I think it would be interesting to share experiences.

- Ann Daniels
Second Start Adult Literacy, Oakland

Dr. Gena Lewis of Children's Hospital-Oakland talks about asthma

two of our kids make crafts while their parents discuss asthma triggers