Photo from Real Dads Read
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – The Fort Worth Association of Midnight Basketball League is promoting a reading initiative created in Atlanta to encourage more fathers to read with their children.
According to the latest data collected, 84% of African-American third graders are reading below grade level and Real Dads Read will focus on encouraging the best reading strategies and practices for fathers, parents and caregivers.
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.
When fathers are involved in the lives of their children, especially their education, children learn more, perform better in school, and exhibit healthier behavior. Even when fathers do not share a home with their children, their active involvement can have a lasting and positive impact. There are countless ways to be involved in your child’s education at all ages.
The program has four engagement levels.
- Implementation of a book drive in Barbershops throughout Tarrant County
- Creating small libraries in Barbershops
- Creating school-based community groups to meet once a month in reading activities
- Creating a social media platform to impact the current narrative of black fathers
We believe that Real Dads Read will be a great project in Fort Worth, Tarrant County to assist with the images of narrative change for Black Men/Fathers, their children and families. The project is a perfect opportunity to help elevate a counter narrative by providing a great two generational approach to services for parents and children.
For more information on how you can get involved with the Association of Midnight Basketball Real Dads Read Project K.P. Tatum, Sr., League Commissioner 817-966-7625, kptatum1@gmail.com
Links:
1.Forth Worth Texas Association of Midnight Basketball Chapter