Real Dads Read
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Fathers Incorporated, a leading national nonprofit for the promotion of Responsible Fatherhood, is implementing the Real Dads Read (www.realdadsread.org) initiative. Real Dads Read (RDR) is aimed at elementary and middle school aged children (K-8) and their fathers/male caregivers with the goals of 1) encouraging children to develop a love of reading, 2) improving children’s literacy skills and educational outcomes, and 3) strengthening bonds between fathers/caregivers and their children. Real Dads Read is a two-generation approach to engaging and improving outcomes for both men and the children for which they are responsible.
While RDR is designed to encourage all fathers to read to their children, there is a focus on Black and Latino fathers, particularly in low-income communities. Real Dads Read launches first in Atlanta--the city was recently ranked first for income inequality with one in four of its residents living in poverty.
Reading is a fundamental skill. A child’s ability to read proficiently by third grade is the most significant predictor of his or her school success, high school completion, and future economic stability. However, approximately 80% of low-income children will not achieve this crucial milestone. RDR will attempt to change this outcome by engaging barbershops and, eventually, creating Real Dads Read clubs in schools and churches in Atlanta and, then, nationwide to encourage fathers to read to their children. Reading to children is a clear and beneficial way for fathers to spend quality time with their children.
Real Dads Read Testimonies
I am still in amazement as to how you interacted with those kids. Thank you so much for being who you are! You have truly earned your wings. I look forward to working more and more with Fathers Incorporated.
Ruby L. Alford-Keel
Librarian I
Southeast Atlanta Branch
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
While RDR is designed to encourage all fathers to read to their children, there is a focus on Black and Latino fathers, particularly in low-income communities. Real Dads Read launches first in Atlanta--the city was recently ranked first for income inequality with one in four of its residents living in poverty.
Reading is a fundamental skill. A child’s ability to read proficiently by third grade is the most significant predictor of his or her school success, high school completion, and future economic stability. However, approximately 80% of low-income children will not achieve this crucial milestone. RDR will attempt to change this outcome by engaging barbershops and, eventually, creating Real Dads Read clubs in schools and churches in Atlanta and, then, nationwide to encourage fathers to read to their children. Reading to children is a clear and beneficial way for fathers to spend quality time with their children.
Real Dads Read Testimonies
I am still in amazement as to how you interacted with those kids. Thank you so much for being who you are! You have truly earned your wings. I look forward to working more and more with Fathers Incorporated.
Ruby L. Alford-Keel
Librarian I
Southeast Atlanta Branch
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
Organizer
Kenneth Braswell
Organizer
Atlanta, GA
