The Library Dads with Khari Arnold
In this episode of Reading Inspires, RIF’s VP of Literacy Programs & Research and podcast host Erin Bailey talks with Khari Arnold, founder of Library Dads, about his journey and the organization’s mission to encourage fathers and male role models to play an active role in children’s literacy. They discuss the impact of positive male involvement, practical ways to engage dads, and how initiatives like Library Dads can foster a lasting love of reading at home, in schools, and in communities.
Episode Links:
Library Dads: Home | The Library Dads
Jim Trelease's Read-Aloud Handbook: Jim Trelease's Read-Aloud Handbook: Eighth Edition
Murdoch Children's Research Institute: Dad's reading is new chapter of child language development - Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Let Them Theory: The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About
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Welcome to Reading Inspires.00:00:01.982 --> 00:00:05.132
The official podcast of Reading is Fundamental.00:00:05.462 --> 00:00:10.922
I'm your host, Dr. Erin Bailey, and today I'm chatting with Kari Arnold, the founder of the Library.00:00:10.922 --> 00:00:19.892
Dads this incredible group of dads based in Atlanta champion children's literacy and bond with their children and each other through the joy of books.00:00:20.552 --> 00:00:26.162
Erin Bailey: So welcome Kari Arnold, the founder of Library Dads to the Reading Inspires podcast.00:00:26.162 --> 00:00:33.932
I first heard about Kari through an article that I read, and then I knew that I had to reach out to him with my coworker Katie Nicholson.00:00:34.142 --> 00:00:37.982
We hit it off and he's joining us today on the podcast.00:00:38.027 --> 00:00:43.917
So, first I am sure our listeners would love to hear what was the spark behind the library?00:00:43.917 --> 00:00:45.447
Dads, what inspired you?00:00:45.447 --> 00:00:55.197
Was there a particular moment or experience with your daughter that made you realize that this could become something much larger than just your personal reading routine?00:00:56.070 --> 00:00:56.360
Khari Arnold: Yeah.00:00:56.360 --> 00:00:57.600
First off, thanks for having me.00:00:57.720 --> 00:01:00.860
I'm so glad that we're able to have this time together and.00:01:01.465 --> 00:01:05.715
I have the platform is to speak you know, with on, on a great platform like Reading Inspires.00:01:05.845 --> 00:01:09.350
It's definitely inspired me and happy to touch on that.00:01:09.350 --> 00:01:21.043
But yeah, to answer your question the library Dads started June, 2024 was when I officially launched the Instagram page, and it was the same day the idea came to me.00:01:21.569 --> 00:01:25.559
But I would backtrack a year prior to June, 2023.00:01:26.634 --> 00:01:28.824
That's when I took my daughter to the library for the first time.00:01:29.214 --> 00:01:30.354
She was four months old.00:01:30.714 --> 00:01:35.334
And I was inspired to do that primarily from a book that I read.00:01:35.734 --> 00:01:37.804
It's called the Read Aloud Handbook by Jim TRAs.00:01:38.564 --> 00:01:46.724
And so when she was four months old, started this challenge where I said, all right, every week, once a week, we're going to go to the library.00:01:47.714 --> 00:01:50.084
I wanna do that at least a year straight, right?00:01:50.234 --> 00:01:54.104
And so we did that and after a year.00:01:54.159 --> 00:02:00.129
I went by, I wanted to kind of create some type of recap, right?00:02:00.129 --> 00:02:06.409
You know, just I knew I took some videos and some pictures of us going to all these different libraries across Atlanta.00:02:07.202 --> 00:02:17.872
And in that moment as I was trying to gather content it came to me that this would be bigger than, this should be bigger than just my daughter.00:02:18.477 --> 00:02:18.897
And me.00:02:19.467 --> 00:02:31.157
And so that's when the idea came to me and told a few dad friends that I knew and we had our first, what we call a library link up where it's a bunch of dads.00:02:31.597 --> 00:02:36.217
Getting together with their kids to engage in our three pillars, bonding books, and brotherhood.00:02:36.277 --> 00:02:41.167
We started off with, I wanna say seven, eight dads, including mine.00:02:41.767 --> 00:02:49.822
That first event and a year later we had a. About a hundred dads at our one year anniversary celebration.00:02:50.252 --> 00:02:54.292
And we've reached a lot more over the year plus since we've started.00:02:54.292 --> 00:02:57.802
So, yeah it's, that's how it started and I'm excited to see where it's going.00:02:58.523 --> 00:02:59.303
Erin Bailey: That's amazing.00:02:59.513 --> 00:03:01.613
And you mentioned that book, the Read Aloud handbook.00:03:01.613 --> 00:03:07.043
I have to say, you've mentioned that before and I bought a copy as soon as I heard you mention that.00:03:07.043 --> 00:03:12.083
So we'll definitely include links in the show notes for anybody else who wants a copy of that book too.00:03:12.083 --> 00:03:19.583
But I think what you got from that was setting up this reading routine, and I can certainly relate to that, you know?00:03:19.943 --> 00:03:23.423
I will never forget bringing my daughter home from the hospital.00:03:23.423 --> 00:03:37.688
My oldest daughter, I have three children, and reading the first book with her and from that moment on, knowing that this was going to be a very special bond for us a part of her childhood and my parenthood.00:03:38.088 --> 00:03:41.988
So, you know, you talked about that too, and this, these three pillars, bonding.00:03:42.738 --> 00:03:44.328
Books and brotherhood.00:03:44.538 --> 00:03:49.158
How did you decide on those three pillars and how do tho how do you bring those to life in your work?00:03:50.153 --> 00:03:51.773
Khari Arnold: Yeah, and it's in order too.00:03:51.883 --> 00:04:04.483
I think the way we should engage when it comes to reading with our kids should be through bonding, like seeing it as a way to spend quality uninterrupted.00:04:04.978 --> 00:04:07.498
Active time with them, right?00:04:07.738 --> 00:04:11.308
You're gonna wanna do it more when you have it from that mentality.00:04:11.468 --> 00:04:20.679
And so like when I talk about that challenge of my daughter and I going every week it wasn't the books per se that brought me back every single week.00:04:20.679 --> 00:04:22.269
It was that bonding time.00:04:22.789 --> 00:04:28.499
And we used the books to, to do that bond, you know, engage in that bonding practice.00:04:28.709 --> 00:04:30.479
And I really needed that.00:04:30.479 --> 00:04:31.019
I think.00:04:32.229 --> 00:04:41.219
It was smart to make that the first pillar, so dads never lose sight of that, especially Ude, like I said, she was four months.00:04:41.429 --> 00:04:48.509
And it's really not many ways to bond with a four month old, you know, particular, particularly as a dad.00:04:49.079 --> 00:04:50.639
And so I'm watching.00:04:51.259 --> 00:04:52.579
You know, mom, do the feeding.00:04:52.909 --> 00:04:54.349
I'm like, okay, well I'm gonna do the reading.00:04:54.349 --> 00:04:56.449
Like that's gonna be our way to bond.00:04:56.449 --> 00:04:59.659
I can't do, you know, the same thing she does.00:04:59.659 --> 00:05:01.789
At least not in that same method, I had to have a bottle, right?00:05:02.249 --> 00:05:05.639
But I said, no, we're gonna get some books in this house we're gonna read every day.00:05:06.639 --> 00:05:11.190
But then I also really realized getting out the house was just super key.00:05:11.490 --> 00:05:12.720
And that was.00:05:13.705 --> 00:05:17.065
One of the, that was a huge impetus too for, you know, us going to the library.00:05:17.065 --> 00:05:21.295
We needed to get out the house and to do that every single weekend for free.00:05:21.295 --> 00:05:24.565
And, you know, something that you know, aligns with her age range.00:05:25.435 --> 00:05:28.015
It was the library and it just really helped build our bond, right.00:05:28.415 --> 00:05:30.125
The books, I mean, it speaks for itself.00:05:30.770 --> 00:05:33.410
I grew up around literacy.00:05:34.295 --> 00:05:37.945
Study journalism in school and built a career out of that.00:05:38.245 --> 00:05:42.025
And so I knew that I was going to engage in books with her.00:05:42.305 --> 00:05:49.125
And I did not know about the cognitive benefits reading to her would do at such a young age.00:05:49.495 --> 00:05:51.865
That's something I learned in that read Aloud handbook.00:05:52.445 --> 00:05:53.315
And so seeing that.00:05:54.460 --> 00:05:55.835
Was just a plus.00:05:55.835 --> 00:05:56.165
Right.00:05:56.265 --> 00:05:57.465
So that's the second pillar.00:05:58.045 --> 00:06:04.690
And then thirdly the brotherhood is something that we, or something I didn't really have.00:06:06.125 --> 00:06:07.205
Entering fatherhood.00:06:07.205 --> 00:06:15.855
Like yeah, I had some friends who, you know, had dads here and there, but there wasn't a space that was tailored for us to get together.00:06:15.855 --> 00:06:16.185
Right.00:06:16.945 --> 00:06:26.545
And so having that, seeing the, or not having that and then seeing not many dads at the library story times.00:06:27.550 --> 00:06:31.570
I take my daughter to like, on, on Wednesdays at one of my local libraries.00:06:32.110 --> 00:06:33.010
It'd be a really nice story.00:06:33.010 --> 00:06:33.550
Time man.00:06:34.600 --> 00:06:46.990
Wouldn't see too many dads there, so it's like, how can I talk to more dads about this experience and connect and maybe share, you know, some of the struggles and, you know, some to, to someone who could relate to me, right?00:06:47.980 --> 00:06:48.820
And so.00:06:49.285 --> 00:06:51.715
That became a huge pillar.00:06:51.805 --> 00:06:52.675
That's what we built.00:06:52.885 --> 00:07:00.145
It's not just a space for the dads to build a bond with their kid and to read a book with their kid.00:07:00.525 --> 00:07:05.685
But also a space to connect with other fathers who can relate to the journey that they're on.00:07:05.685 --> 00:07:06.825
It's therapeutic.00:07:07.315 --> 00:07:12.835
Having someone that understands you allows you to feel seen and hurt.00:07:13.835 --> 00:07:15.785
Erin Bailey: Yeah I can appreciate that a lot.00:07:15.785 --> 00:07:17.735
The idea that bonding.00:07:18.310 --> 00:07:22.540
For fathers looks different, especially in those early days, right.00:07:22.540 --> 00:07:27.795
Than a mother and I will point out that book that I mentioned that was the first book we read.00:07:27.795 --> 00:07:31.935
My daughter when she came home, it was actually her dad who read that to her.00:07:31.935 --> 00:07:33.735
So I very relatable.00:07:33.915 --> 00:07:36.915
I wanna pull a little bit on that thread of brotherhood.00:07:36.995 --> 00:07:40.715
How have you seen fathers in your program support each other?00:07:40.715 --> 00:07:44.675
And was there anything that surprised you about that dynamic?00:07:44.921 --> 00:07:46.151
Khari Arnold: I'm surprised that.00:07:46.248 --> 00:08:02.334
There's a guy he's one of the volunteers and he, his name is aj and we were just talking casually and he was telling me about how he just left a, he went to a baseball game with one of the library desks he met, and he just said it so casual.00:08:02.334 --> 00:08:04.164
I'm like, aj, this is the type of stuff like.00:08:04.679 --> 00:08:08.069
I kind of wanna know, like I need to be able to document this.00:08:08.069 --> 00:08:08.969
Like what led to that.00:08:09.279 --> 00:08:13.329
And so we need to be able to start tracking some of these stories.00:08:13.359 --> 00:08:15.284
'cause I love seeing the connections being made.00:08:15.284 --> 00:08:19.124
You know, phone numbers being exchanged, dads just laughing, talking, whatever the case may be.00:08:20.024 --> 00:08:20.894
I know I've met a dad.00:08:21.434 --> 00:08:24.734
At an event and that same day we went out to the park with the kids.00:08:24.734 --> 00:08:27.939
'cause you know, our events from 10 30 to 12, it's like, all right what next?00:08:27.939 --> 00:08:29.619
We got the rest of the day, you know, at the nap time.00:08:30.099 --> 00:08:32.539
And so, that's been fun.00:08:32.879 --> 00:08:38.969
But yeah, I think too, just seeing dads be able to get out of.00:08:40.189 --> 00:08:41.269
A ru that they may be in.00:08:41.269 --> 00:08:56.399
So for instance, we have a dad on the team who said he was dealing with about a depression last December, and it's scrolling on TikTok and found our group and said, wow, this is what I need where I need to be.00:08:57.419 --> 00:09:01.529
And he pulled up that very next event.00:09:02.114 --> 00:09:04.694
He's been at practically all of them since.00:09:04.814 --> 00:09:06.674
And he, like I said, he's on the team now.00:09:06.674 --> 00:09:08.894
He's one of one of our major assets.00:09:09.254 --> 00:09:19.584
And so, yeah, I think those type of stories, you know, because if he went to like a mom group with his wife and just tagged along.00:09:20.214 --> 00:09:32.004
It wouldn't have been the same, you know, but when he's around people who are essentially in the same seat that he's in you, you're able to, you know, feel a little more free.00:09:32.254 --> 00:09:36.964
Mel Robbins talked about this in her book, the Let Them Theory that came out earlier this year.00:09:38.159 --> 00:09:54.539
She said there's the two of the greatest components when it comes to building friendships and relationships are proximity and timing, and so proximity, meaning people who are physically near you.00:09:54.809 --> 00:09:59.429
My friend that I was referring to, he's from St.00:09:59.429 --> 00:09:59.699
Louis.00:09:59.699 --> 00:10:01.349
He didn't have too many friends physically.00:10:02.174 --> 00:10:03.314
You know, near him.00:10:04.014 --> 00:10:11.154
And then in terms of timing, that refers to people who are in the same chapter of life that you're in.00:10:11.754 --> 00:10:27.694
And so having dads who have babies, who have toddlers, who have elementary school aged kids you name it allows you to connect with people in that same proximity and in that same era, that same timing, if you will that you're going through.00:10:27.694 --> 00:10:27.904
So.00:10:28.924 --> 00:10:31.219
That's probably been the best part for the brotherhood.00:10:32.319 --> 00:10:39.549
Erin Bailey: Yeah I can also share that feeling of, you know, you wanna spend time either before the nap or after the nap.00:10:39.549 --> 00:10:40.089
Of course.00:10:40.089 --> 00:10:41.494
'cause we're still on the nap schedule.00:10:42.139 --> 00:10:50.239
With other parents, and it also helps normalize some of, like you're describing the stages of life that they're going through.00:10:50.239 --> 00:10:57.369
It's very helpful to be around other parents that are going through the same things that you're going through with your children.00:10:57.369 --> 00:10:58.599
It's so helpful.00:10:58.599 --> 00:10:59.409
It's a community.00:10:59.599 --> 00:11:00.349
So we talked about.00:11:00.949 --> 00:11:04.489
The importance for parents for us to be in community.00:11:04.639 --> 00:11:06.199
What about for the children?00:11:06.199 --> 00:11:13.379
What have you seen and why is it important for children to see their fathers leading in these spaces like story time?00:11:14.379 --> 00:11:19.799
Khari Arnold: I think of course the social and emotional development is really good for our kids.00:11:19.799 --> 00:11:24.449
I know we've had some dads pull up who are engaging in homeschooling.00:11:24.609 --> 00:11:28.899
So this allows their kids to be around other kids.00:11:29.299 --> 00:11:34.759
In terms of seeing the dads reading, I think that's very paramount because.00:11:35.759 --> 00:11:46.709
Our kids need to see men valuing education, especially our boys who want to model what we do.00:11:47.549 --> 00:11:58.949
And so if they don't see us modeling and valuing reading, what cue will exist for them to wanna do that later in life?00:11:58.979 --> 00:11:59.309
Right?00:11:59.309 --> 00:12:02.129
So for me, I saw my dad.00:12:02.804 --> 00:12:04.544
Reading newspapers growing up.00:12:04.574 --> 00:12:07.004
That was his form of literature.00:12:07.424 --> 00:12:13.394
I'm not sure my daughter will grow up knowing what a newspaper is by the time, you know, she's in elementary.00:12:13.394 --> 00:12:15.199
She, all she knows is, you know, books.00:12:15.729 --> 00:12:17.739
But that was his form of literature and I saw him reading it.00:12:18.189 --> 00:12:25.044
He would get the SA today sent to the house every single every single day in the a JC, every single Sunday.00:12:26.299 --> 00:12:30.229
And I remember watching him engage with it and it made me wanna engage with it.00:12:30.889 --> 00:12:35.239
And I ended up interning for USA today when I got to college.00:12:35.549 --> 00:12:38.199
And wanted to kind of build a career off of that.00:12:38.979 --> 00:12:43.389
And I really give my dad credit because it was that exposure, right?00:12:43.389 --> 00:12:51.049
Like I was being exposed unintentionally to him reading and seeing him value that.00:12:51.049 --> 00:12:52.399
So I'm like, okay, that's something I need to.00:12:52.849 --> 00:12:53.419
To do.00:12:53.879 --> 00:13:15.089
But I'm just concerned if our boys specifically, you know, only see us value sports and you know, not books, then that'll be the main thing
that they want to, I shouldn't say the main thing, but the only thing that they would tether your excitement to if that's the only thing.00:13:15.644 --> 00:13:19.359
You know, you're really getting hype over and value and, you know what I mean?00:13:19.819 --> 00:13:23.179
So, and I'm not a if, or I'm both.00:13:23.179 --> 00:13:29.079
And so I've worked for, you know, the sports industry over 10 years.00:13:30.369 --> 00:13:32.229
It's definitely a huge fan of sports.00:13:33.114 --> 00:13:39.324
But at the same time, I want, you know, my, my kids to know reading is gonna take you places.00:13:39.324 --> 00:13:41.694
It's the number one predictor for academic success.00:13:42.114 --> 00:13:43.599
And we're gonna value that in this house.00:13:44.319 --> 00:13:45.369
Erin Bailey: Yeah, absolutely.00:13:45.369 --> 00:13:48.429
And I love the way you said you can do both, right?00:13:48.609 --> 00:13:51.729
You can be a reader and play sports.00:13:51.729 --> 00:13:53.799
You can read about sports.00:13:53.879 --> 00:13:59.429
One of my favorite reading specialists that I worked with, you know, we had a student who was like, well, I don't wanna read.00:13:59.429 --> 00:14:00.809
I'm gonna be a baseball player.00:14:00.809 --> 00:14:08.069
And she said to him, well, if you're gonna be a big baseball player, you better be able to read that contract that they're giving you.00:14:08.379 --> 00:14:17.059
So, you know, reading is part of everything and you know, I appreciate everything that you're saying about being a role model as a father, my greatest.00:14:17.254 --> 00:14:22.694
Reading Robot was my father who read to me every night, even though it was difficult for him.00:14:22.694 --> 00:14:24.074
My dad has dyslexia.00:14:24.074 --> 00:14:31.334
I've shared this on other interviews that I've done, and reading is challenging for him, especially the books that I picked when I was a kid, which were Dr.00:14:31.334 --> 00:14:31.754
Seuss.00:14:31.754 --> 00:14:38.904
They have a lot of nonsense words, which is difficult to read if you have dyslexia, but watching him persevere.00:14:39.249 --> 00:14:44.549
Through those books because he knew that they brought me joy, you know, taught me a lot.00:14:44.549 --> 00:14:48.119
And so I, you know, relate to a lot of what you're saying.00:14:48.119 --> 00:14:51.529
And you know, I mentioned my favorite books were Dr.00:14:51.529 --> 00:14:52.159
Seuss books.00:14:52.159 --> 00:14:56.429
What do you, I'm sure everyone wants to know, what do you read with your daughter?00:14:56.549 --> 00:15:01.169
Are there any particular authors, illustrators, stories that resonate with you?00:15:02.579 --> 00:15:04.949
Khari Arnold: I mean, it changes so, so often.00:15:04.949 --> 00:15:09.329
I mean, each, I say each year she's, she'll be three soon.00:15:09.379 --> 00:15:16.549
But it's been fun to see her gravitate towards, you know, different favorites if you will.00:15:16.939 --> 00:15:22.759
I would say in this season, Jane LAN's, how does a dinosaur series, so how does the00:15:22.974 --> 00:15:23.434
Erin Bailey: yeah.00:15:23.929 --> 00:15:26.829
Khari Arnold: read how does a dinosaur go to school?00:15:27.309 --> 00:15:30.069
How does a dinosaur, say I'm mad.00:15:30.119 --> 00:15:31.144
It's so many of them.00:15:31.504 --> 00:15:32.809
And she loves them all.00:15:32.869 --> 00:15:33.889
She loves them all.00:15:34.159 --> 00:15:36.799
It's rich in great imagery.00:15:36.799 --> 00:15:38.359
It's rich in great texts.00:15:38.409 --> 00:15:43.479
For her age, you know, you got that rhyming component, so she's really big on that.00:15:43.539 --> 00:15:49.929
I would also say from an interactive book standpoint, she really loves Camilla Reeds.00:15:51.159 --> 00:15:52.329
Peekaboo series.00:15:52.749 --> 00:16:05.744
And I always recommend that book to parents who are looking for ways to keep their child busy, perhaps in the backseat or even at a restaurant.00:16:05.744 --> 00:16:11.964
Like, there's probably has like a dozen books in this series, and my daughter has most of them.00:16:12.714 --> 00:16:17.114
And so when she's in the backseat and, you know, if she's getting a little antsy.00:16:18.074 --> 00:16:20.324
She'll start interacting with these peek book books.00:16:20.324 --> 00:16:21.634
Like it's not a lift a flat book.00:16:21.634 --> 00:16:23.194
She has some of those too that she loves.00:16:23.614 --> 00:16:28.664
There's a Lama one particular that she enjoys, but these are interactive in different ways.00:16:28.664 --> 00:16:31.574
It's kind of hard to explain, but it's an interactive book.00:16:32.014 --> 00:16:34.234
And so she really likes those.00:16:34.744 --> 00:16:40.984
And then one that I used to like growing up that she's really starting to get into I Spy books.00:16:41.599 --> 00:16:52.739
I thought we had, you know, some more years before she would get into that, but no, even at two, she's all about trying to find, you know, I don't do the riddles with her just yet.00:16:52.769 --> 00:16:56.009
I'll just say I spy with my little eyes.00:16:57.089 --> 00:16:59.829
I rubber ducky and you got all these.00:17:01.239 --> 00:17:09.729
Objects on these two pages and she's gotta, you know, practice her visual skills to track down that mini rubber ducky.00:17:09.969 --> 00:17:11.859
And so even when dad's.00:17:13.059 --> 00:17:20.159
I mentioned, I know you mentioned your dad having dyslexia and you know, there are other dads who aren't comfortable with reading for, you know, other reasons.00:17:20.159 --> 00:17:20.549
Right.00:17:21.239 --> 00:17:29.904
And is books like these though, that I think still help instill that desire for your child to wanna read one.00:17:30.269 --> 00:17:33.869
Pick up a book, you know, engage in that body time that we talked about.00:17:33.869 --> 00:17:37.349
You know, even if you don't think you're the strongest person to teach them how to read.00:17:37.409 --> 00:17:38.189
Understandable.00:17:38.609 --> 00:17:43.079
But I don't think that should necessarily absolve us from teaching them to wanna read.00:17:43.079 --> 00:17:43.439
Right.00:17:43.859 --> 00:17:49.409
And so like I look at a I spy book as a perfect example because I can spy.00:17:50.519 --> 00:17:59.384
You know, a red hammer in the corner of this book and now I can just tell her that she's gotta find it and you know, it leads to some laughs and everything.00:17:59.384 --> 00:18:04.274
So, yeah, I think those three come to mind that she's really enjoying right now.00:18:05.249 --> 00:18:09.024
Erin Bailey: I appreciate you and I'm sure our listeners who are parents appreciate this too, that.00:18:09.764 --> 00:18:13.454
You do not have to read every single word on the page.00:18:13.634 --> 00:18:15.164
Take that burden off yourself.00:18:15.224 --> 00:18:17.084
You do, especially with the little ones.00:18:17.264 --> 00:18:19.154
You know, 1, 2, 3 years old.00:18:19.154 --> 00:18:30.284
You don't even have to read the pages in order because as you mentioned with at these ages, it's not about teaching them how to read, it's about developing their love for reading.00:18:30.284 --> 00:18:36.194
So if they wanna open a book and look at the same page and talk about the pictures, and that's gonna be it, that's.00:18:36.409 --> 00:18:37.309
That's fine.00:18:38.819 --> 00:18:39.029
Khari Arnold: Yeah.00:18:39.029 --> 00:18:47.124
One of the rules we teach our dads at our, in our program is this, I call it the 80 20 rule where when it comes to reading a lot.00:18:47.699 --> 00:18:58.439
Out is 80% how you bring the text to life and 20% the text itself, the text matters, but how you bring that text to life matters more.00:18:59.129 --> 00:19:07.169
That's gonna lead to them having more more of a desire to wanna do this again and see.00:19:07.919 --> 00:19:14.329
Dad, mom, you know, caregiver, whoever bring a fun story to life.00:19:14.459 --> 00:19:21.249
And the laughing, like that's telling you that, that mattered so much to me, it still does.00:19:21.609 --> 00:19:27.219
But in that phase when she was starting to smile and laugh.00:19:28.329 --> 00:19:37.089
And seeing her do that with books as a baby, and respond to me making these funny dog voices to one of the amazing love every books.00:19:37.989 --> 00:19:38.829
Oh my goodness.00:19:38.979 --> 00:19:41.469
It is, it's something I'll never forget.00:19:41.799 --> 00:19:48.369
Like I'll al I'll always cherish that if I see that page that particular book.00:19:49.269 --> 00:19:57.609
Years later when she's an adult, I might break down crying 'cause it's going to take me back to that time whenever I turn to that page.00:19:57.969 --> 00:19:58.484
She would just.00:19:59.859 --> 00:20:05.589
Burst out just like laughing and, you know, hype and smiling and squealing.00:20:05.589 --> 00:20:09.309
And then she would look at me in anticipation before we got to that page.00:20:10.339 --> 00:20:17.059
And I'd even say, I'm trying to think of the name of this Little Bitty Friends by Elizabeth Mc Pink.00:20:17.929 --> 00:20:27.709
The very last page of that book includes a dad hugging his daughter and.00:20:28.459 --> 00:20:32.509
Whenever we would get ready to turn to the end of that page, she'd be looking at me ready for a hug.00:20:32.769 --> 00:20:34.479
Erin Bailey: Oh, so sweet.00:20:34.899 --> 00:20:36.124
And that's the bonding, right?00:20:36.259 --> 00:20:37.999
Khari Arnold: That's the bonding, like, what you think that did to me?00:20:38.984 --> 00:20:39.494
You know what I mean?00:20:39.494 --> 00:20:45.374
Like that did so much to me and yeah, I gotta see if she'll still do that.00:20:45.404 --> 00:20:54.204
'cause we've read so many books since, but we read that one a lot and she would just, with anticipation without fail, just look at me and gimme a big hug.00:20:55.299 --> 00:21:02.679
Erin Bailey: And that's the other thing I always try to remind parents is if your child wants to read the same book over and over again, that's okay.00:21:02.889 --> 00:21:07.149
I sometimes we might be getting a little tired of that book, but the time will pass.00:21:07.149 --> 00:21:08.499
It'll pass by quickly.00:21:08.549 --> 00:21:16.269
And then you will cherish the day that you read Lama read pajama three times every day for a week, you know?00:21:17.249 --> 00:21:17.569
Khari Arnold: Absolutely.00:21:18.845 --> 00:21:21.755
Erin Bailey: So you're based in Atlanta right now.00:21:21.905 --> 00:21:30.065
Can you talk a little bit about how you're growing and how can you keep that same sense of authenticity and intimacy as you expand?00:21:31.065 --> 00:21:31.605
Khari Arnold: Yeah.00:21:31.705 --> 00:21:32.635
Authenticity.00:21:32.635 --> 00:21:35.635
I'm really big on trying to protect the space.00:21:35.845 --> 00:21:38.185
We believe in partnerships, of course.00:21:38.395 --> 00:21:48.025
But I know there are times where I think our biggest request has been from authors, you know, wanting to come in and, you know, share their book.00:21:48.635 --> 00:21:53.015
And so we want to at some point create some type of space where they can all do that in one setting.00:21:53.045 --> 00:22:01.796
'cause it would just be too much if every single week where, you know, bringing on a new author to promote their book when we have, you know, a set.00:22:02.891 --> 00:22:03.971
Curriculum, if you will.00:22:03.971 --> 00:22:14.151
So like one, one day we'll be reading about colors if you will, and that might include Mickey Mouse colors book the brown Bear.00:22:14.641 --> 00:22:21.031
Then we might have an agenda about farm animals, and now we're reading, you know, little Blue Truck.00:22:22.171 --> 00:22:22.711
So forth.00:22:22.711 --> 00:22:23.011
Right?00:22:23.251 --> 00:22:25.591
Shapes, or I don't know if we have a shapes one.00:22:25.961 --> 00:22:34.151
We have a father, a fatherhood one where it's about, it's books of, about dads reading to their kids or bonding with their kids, animals, whatever.00:22:35.471 --> 00:22:38.261
And so we like to kind of repeat those.00:22:38.381 --> 00:22:47.361
And so I'm really just big on improving and enhancing what we do but also realizing, all right, the dads are really.00:22:47.796 --> 00:22:51.756
Liking this, so let's not try to reinvent the wheel too much.00:22:52.156 --> 00:22:58.216
Our pillars are bonding books and brotherhood, so our program needs to follow that model.00:22:58.276 --> 00:23:09.736
Like the first 30 minutes we're engaging in bonding activities, some STEM toys the next 30 artists story time, and then the following 30, we're engaging in that brotherhood.00:23:10.066 --> 00:23:15.466
Time where dads are talking while kids are playing with bubbles and you know, some of the other toys that would bring out.00:23:16.296 --> 00:23:19.236
So it's just, I think protecting what works.00:23:19.296 --> 00:23:22.266
Adding to it, you know, realizing like are some dads.00:23:23.556 --> 00:23:24.036
Need.00:23:24.606 --> 00:23:30.906
I think not some dads, all dads need something that's just for them, where the kids aren't, you know, in that same room.00:23:30.906 --> 00:23:36.396
So we have had spaces like that where the dads will go out bowling, we'll you know, engage in.00:23:37.581 --> 00:23:40.071
Some other fun activities.00:23:40.881 --> 00:23:46.641
I'm thinking of one specific, it's called Foing, where it's like bowling, but we would throw footballs at the bowling pins.00:23:46.851 --> 00:23:48.081
So we've done stuff like that.00:23:48.081 --> 00:23:49.971
We're about to start some workshops up.00:23:51.201 --> 00:24:08.601
We've had one where you partner with Fulton County schools and they were able to teach their kids about, or teach the dads about phonological awareness and how to engage with their kids from a reading standpoint and, you know, sounds syllables.00:24:10.076 --> 00:24:13.466
I would say though, we wanna expand that from just talking about.00:24:14.066 --> 00:24:14.936
The kids.00:24:15.236 --> 00:24:27.026
We wanna talk about how the dads are navigating stress, how the dads are navigating burnout, how the dads are navigating balance teaching them maybe and equipping them with some financial literacy tools.00:24:27.026 --> 00:24:27.386
Right?00:24:27.966 --> 00:24:32.586
So there are a few things that we wanna implement next year from a workshop standpoint.00:24:33.096 --> 00:24:36.186
And then, yeah, I think.00:24:37.671 --> 00:24:40.471
Our next big thing is our tour.00:24:40.501 --> 00:24:43.951
Haven't really told all the Daes yet.00:24:43.951 --> 00:24:51.781
We'll be announcing it soon, but we've only operated in Fulton County, which is the county Atlanta is in.00:24:52.111 --> 00:24:56.606
But there are neighboring counties that you know, has a huge population.00:24:56.606 --> 00:24:59.876
So you got DeKalb, you got Gwinnett, you got Cobb, you got Clayton.00:25:00.716 --> 00:25:04.701
A few others, but we're definitely going to engage in more counties than just Fulton.00:25:04.701 --> 00:25:08.181
So we'll be able to expand and reach, you know, dads everywhere.00:25:08.181 --> 00:25:19.266
You wanna make it convenient for them, you know, like I. I was going to libraries that were a little further out sometimes, mainly because she would nap in a car.00:25:19.266 --> 00:25:21.786
So that's buying me some, you know, some time and buying her some time.00:25:21.786 --> 00:25:24.366
But, you know, everybody doesn't deal with that, right?00:25:24.366 --> 00:25:27.246
Like some people just want to go to something that's a little more closer.00:25:27.766 --> 00:25:29.421
So we're gonna try and meet them where they are.00:25:30.866 --> 00:25:31.546
Erin Bailey: That's awesome.00:25:31.546 --> 00:25:37.906
And so if there are dads out there, you know, listening to this that don't live in the Atlanta area, but want to.00:25:38.086 --> 00:25:39.166
Or something similar.00:25:39.166 --> 00:25:39.526
What?00:25:39.526 --> 00:25:40.756
What's your advice for them?00:25:41.575 --> 00:25:48.885
Khari Arnold: I've seen a few start that was just talking to a friend about this today, somebody on the team and how I kind of wanna gather some of the.00:25:49.265 --> 00:25:51.875
Groups I've seen up and do a shout out to them.00:25:52.415 --> 00:26:01.845
One specifically in St. Louis started called Dads and that acronym stands for Dads actively doing story time.00:26:02.250 --> 00:26:10.560
And yeah, they were able to talk to their local library and brought on some dads to, you know, attend.00:26:10.560 --> 00:26:14.940
So yeah, encouraging your local library to have some type of program.00:26:14.940 --> 00:26:18.750
A Daddy Me program, you know, there are so many groups and things for moms.00:26:19.150 --> 00:26:24.160
But again, we need to make sure dads aren't just supported.00:26:24.310 --> 00:26:34.660
For themselves, but also can be included in their child's educational infrastructure and not just seeing that as something moms do.00:26:34.690 --> 00:26:43.660
'cause you know, when you think about it from the time they're infants, majority of the teachers that they're seeing in media.00:26:44.730 --> 00:26:46.260
On these YouTube channels, right?00:26:47.220 --> 00:26:48.210
It's mostly women.00:26:48.550 --> 00:27:03.940
You know, if you're engaging in YouTube and you subscribe to Miss Rachel or Ms. Houston, miss Tasha there are a couple men YouTube channels, but a lot of them, they're a little more about energy and some of it is very overstimulated if I might ask.00:27:03.940 --> 00:27:07.990
But I think having males being seen.00:27:08.990 --> 00:27:13.910
At that age, it's so important because a child's brain is being formed.00:27:14.490 --> 00:27:17.790
I think 90% of it is being developed from age zero to five, right?00:27:18.600 --> 00:27:20.070
So that's before they get to school.00:27:20.070 --> 00:27:35.010
Then they get to school and they already have that brain kind of formed associating education with women, and now they get in the school system and 75% of the teachers are women.00:27:36.150 --> 00:27:45.150
So at what point, you know what I mean, will they be able to associate dads men with this critical task?00:27:45.150 --> 00:27:47.550
Like we have not, and we don't even have to go there.00:27:47.790 --> 00:27:52.410
But we have not talked about this being a crisis that we are in right now, a literacy crisis.00:27:52.890 --> 00:27:56.880
And it is gonna take more than just one gender to address it.00:27:57.290 --> 00:27:59.420
And so yeah, I'll say that.00:28:00.125 --> 00:28:00.845
Erin Bailey: Absolutely.00:28:00.845 --> 00:28:03.755
And you know, there's tons of research on.00:28:03.885 --> 00:28:11.245
Mothers reading aloud to their children and teachers, as you pointed out, are also many times women.00:28:11.245 --> 00:28:13.255
But there is research now.00:28:13.305 --> 00:28:21.555
This is a study that came out of Murdoch Children's Research Institute, which is based, it's based in Australia, but I think we can learn a lot from the results that fathers.00:28:21.885 --> 00:28:28.305
Doing story time reading aloud to their kids resulted in a 40% increase in children's vocabulary.00:28:28.555 --> 00:28:34.795
So I think, you know, there's a lot that we can learn just from that study and on the importance of fathers.00:28:35.035 --> 00:28:36.745
Yeah, I.00:28:37.745 --> 00:28:38.710
Khari Arnold: I'm familiar with that one.00:28:39.340 --> 00:28:50.650
There's another one that was based out, I wanna say London and it tracked how many dads are active, are actually reading to their kids daily.00:28:51.660 --> 00:28:54.630
And that number was 47%.00:28:55.050 --> 00:29:00.705
And so that just tells me like, you know, half of these dads are missing the opportunity to do what you just said.00:29:01.920 --> 00:29:02.610
Erin Bailey: Absolutely.00:29:02.820 --> 00:29:06.450
And I mean unfortunately it's everyone.00:29:06.510 --> 00:29:07.320
Right now.00:29:07.470 --> 00:29:09.510
That's, I mean, the next generation.00:29:09.510 --> 00:29:11.040
I'm a millennial parent myself.00:29:11.040 --> 00:29:14.920
I often say that but Gen Z parents Harper Collins.00:29:15.255 --> 00:29:21.105
Study found only 41% read aloud to their children daily, so even less than the fathers.00:29:21.205 --> 00:29:23.545
In the study that, that you were just mentioning.00:29:24.365 --> 00:29:25.535
Khari Arnold: That's a really good point.00:29:25.585 --> 00:29:28.075
In terms of the Gen Z generation, I read that.00:29:28.555 --> 00:29:32.815
And at what point will it reverse in a, you know, in a positive way?00:29:33.805 --> 00:29:44.555
Because I think we're in a time where reading proficiency is not just at an all time low, but reaching potential is being hindered by tech.00:29:45.725 --> 00:29:50.975
And so if we're going to continue, this isn't, it's not about turn into an anti-tech, anti AI conversation.00:29:50.975 --> 00:29:53.765
This is just gonna, I just wanna talk about reality right now.00:29:53.765 --> 00:29:54.095
Right.00:29:54.635 --> 00:30:12.005
When creativity is being stifled, when critical thinking is being stifled, when problem solving is being stifled, when empathy is continuing to decline, we need to promote the one thing that we know can build that skill.00:30:13.005 --> 00:30:20.775
So if I'm reading a book to my child and I ask questions like, what just happened?00:30:21.135 --> 00:30:23.325
I'm building his or her comprehension.00:30:24.375 --> 00:30:28.695
I ask questions like, well, why do you think they did that?00:30:29.115 --> 00:30:31.275
Now we're practicing critical thinking.00:30:32.175 --> 00:30:34.485
And what would you do if that were you?00:30:34.935 --> 00:30:36.645
Now we're engaging in problem solving.00:30:37.425 --> 00:30:39.465
Well, how did that make you feel?00:30:40.335 --> 00:30:42.705
Now we're tapping into emotional intelligence.00:30:42.885 --> 00:30:45.675
These are skills we're going to have to really embrace.00:30:46.575 --> 00:30:47.295
I don't know.00:30:47.295 --> 00:30:51.915
Nobody knows what the future is gonna hold in terms of the job market, right?00:30:53.415 --> 00:31:01.455
What we do know is there's going to be a huge reliance on a portfolio of skills.00:31:02.580 --> 00:31:07.860
And you have to do the thing that can help build those skills, right?00:31:08.490 --> 00:31:10.620
And so that's kind of what I'm concerned about.00:31:10.770 --> 00:31:17.260
Is people focusing too much on, are they good at technology?00:31:17.260 --> 00:31:23.890
Like, can a three-year-old manage an iPad and, you know, know how to swipe left and right?00:31:24.190 --> 00:31:28.030
I think that three-year-old may have just adopted to what they have seen.00:31:28.780 --> 00:31:32.890
I don't think that means that it, we'll go, I'll go on for days.00:31:33.220 --> 00:31:34.240
I think I made the point, right.00:31:34.545 --> 00:31:38.325
Erin Bailey: I am so with you, Kari and you kind of hinted at it earlier.00:31:38.325 --> 00:31:47.365
You brought it up when you're going on a car ride, why not have a book in the car for your child when you are at a restaurant waiting for your food?00:31:48.210 --> 00:32:14.460
Why not have a book and the, you know, this is my personal opinion, but too many times I see kids with that are just given devices when there is passive time, you
know, waiting at the dentist's office, riding in the car, sitting at a restaurant, and all of those are opportunities to read or engage in conversation or storytelling.00:32:15.115 --> 00:32:17.740
Khari Arnold: And let me just, it's hard like parenting.00:32:17.860 --> 00:32:18.640
You have three.00:32:19.975 --> 00:32:20.905
Like you have three.00:32:20.905 --> 00:32:24.595
So I have one and I'm like, yo, it's hard.00:32:24.745 --> 00:32:31.615
I have those moments where I'm driving and I've thought, so just transparency.00:32:31.615 --> 00:32:35.545
My daughter doesn't, she doesn't really know what an iPad really is like.00:32:35.575 --> 00:32:37.535
She may have seen mine but.00:32:38.505 --> 00:32:49.455
She's never had one in the backseat, but I've had moments when I'm driving and I'm like, oh yeah, this would be a moment right here where if she was a tablet baby, I would throw that thing back there so fast.00:32:50.745 --> 00:32:51.795
It is hard.00:32:51.795 --> 00:33:02.800
So I really don't even con condemn, you know, parents at all who are just like tired and frustrated and, you know, just want peace.00:33:03.160 --> 00:33:07.960
But when we signed up for this, we ha we chose to like embrace these hard moments.00:33:07.960 --> 00:33:08.230
Right.00:33:08.230 --> 00:33:09.660
That it's so challenging.00:33:10.080 --> 00:33:13.680
And I'm gonna shout this book one more time.00:33:13.735 --> 00:33:14.665
The read a aloud handbook.00:33:14.725 --> 00:33:17.055
I'm gonna need to get on there their royalties because the way I be that book,00:33:18.495 --> 00:33:18.825
Erin Bailey: it so.00:33:19.825 --> 00:33:21.255
Khari Arnold: No, I actually met the author.00:33:21.315 --> 00:33:24.555
The author passed away, but his son reached out after seeing us on the Today Show.00:33:24.655 --> 00:33:27.085
And we met Vir virtually through, through email.00:33:27.185 --> 00:33:28.055
Really great family.00:33:28.595 --> 00:33:39.155
But there's a story in this book that talks about a family who would watch TV together over dinner, you know, and just.00:33:40.100 --> 00:33:41.840
Parent parents are, you know, doing their thing.00:33:41.840 --> 00:33:43.670
Kids are watching TV and you know, they're eating.00:33:44.060 --> 00:33:49.010
They said they wanna change that and they want to, you know, save TV for the weekends, right?00:33:49.400 --> 00:33:56.840
And engage in reading, you know, during the week and over dinner, the kids cried for two weeks straight over it.00:33:56.900 --> 00:33:58.070
These are older kids, right?00:33:58.070 --> 00:33:59.925
They cry for two weeks straight.00:34:00.925 --> 00:34:03.505
By week four, I mean, by day four.00:34:03.925 --> 00:34:06.955
I would've you know, been like, man, is this even gonna work?00:34:06.955 --> 00:34:08.185
Like, this is just a lot.00:34:08.545 --> 00:34:10.705
Day eight, this is just too much.00:34:11.065 --> 00:34:21.055
But eventually, as you start to associate reading with entertainment and not something that you're doing out of punishment, I'm not punishing you.00:34:21.475 --> 00:34:27.655
You know, during this dinner time, I'm showing you how this can actually be entertaining.00:34:28.225 --> 00:34:29.455
We can laugh over this.00:34:29.455 --> 00:34:31.975
We can build your imagination over this.00:34:32.970 --> 00:34:50.035
And over time, you know, you've kind of replaced that reliance on, you know, these screens and devices and whatnot by providing something else that they didn't really realize is fun to.00:34:51.130 --> 00:34:51.690
Erin Bailey: Absolutely.00:34:51.790 --> 00:34:54.665
And you know, some parents might be listening right now thinking.00:34:55.245 --> 00:34:55.845
Oh no.00:34:55.845 --> 00:35:00.645
You know, my child is already using their tablet every time we're in the car.00:35:00.675 --> 00:35:01.575
Like, what do I do?00:35:01.575 --> 00:35:02.415
Where do I start?00:35:02.415 --> 00:35:02.685
You?00:35:02.775 --> 00:35:07.095
And, you know, I don't want my child to cry for two weeks straight, but maybe start small.00:35:07.125 --> 00:35:09.285
Maybe just a couple times a week.00:35:09.525 --> 00:35:15.375
Replace looking at a tablet with telling a story or engaging in a conversation, reading a book.00:35:15.375 --> 00:35:18.560
These are all things that build language and literacy.00:35:19.560 --> 00:35:21.690
Khari Arnold: And expect it to be tough.00:35:21.690 --> 00:35:23.580
You know, it is as you.00:35:24.585 --> 00:35:28.750
As you parent, especially, you know, younger kids you see tantrums, right?00:35:29.240 --> 00:35:37.490
And we wanna do whatever we can to avoid it, but expect that transformation period to be, you know, somewhat challenging for you.00:35:37.860 --> 00:35:44.740
But just have the patience and know that, all right this will work and it will benefit them in the long run.00:35:44.890 --> 00:35:45.220
Right.00:35:46.220 --> 00:35:56.300
Erin Bailey: You know, that made me think of something because I am always an advocate of let children be children and create spaces that are friendly to children.00:35:56.300 --> 00:35:59.210
And children have tantrums, sometimes, especially toddlers.00:35:59.210 --> 00:36:04.520
They just do have, you know, what has your experience been in going to the library?00:36:05.060 --> 00:36:09.750
With children and parents and with little children.00:36:09.750 --> 00:36:15.960
And we typically, you know, some of us have memories of the library of having a mean old library and saying shh all the time.00:36:15.960 --> 00:36:16.950
Like what is it?00:36:16.950 --> 00:36:20.070
What is it like when you go with your group to the library?00:36:20.070 --> 00:36:20.100
I.00:36:21.100 --> 00:36:21.400
Khari Arnold: Okay.00:36:21.400 --> 00:36:21.580
Yeah.00:36:21.580 --> 00:36:32.750
So having had that I was gonna mention in terms of my daughter specifically first how I've seen her throw tantrums in the library.00:36:32.750 --> 00:36:35.690
It doesn't, it's not limited to, you know, the house.00:36:36.110 --> 00:36:37.880
It's, yeah, it'll be outdoors.00:36:37.880 --> 00:36:42.930
It'd be in the car if she's throwing attention in the library when it's time to leave, 'cause.00:36:43.930 --> 00:36:45.460
You know how transitions can be, right?00:36:45.740 --> 00:36:47.060
But in terms, yes.00:36:47.475 --> 00:36:56.725
In terms of the library dad space, our linkups are typically held inside a meeting room, like a library, meeting room.00:36:57.065 --> 00:36:58.580
So it's off, so it's not.00:36:59.960 --> 00:37:02.990
Like we're bothering other, you know, patrons.00:37:03.100 --> 00:37:12.940
We will go into the children's section, but typically the libraries we prefer to go to have like the children's section off to the side.00:37:12.940 --> 00:37:17.290
So it's not really, you know, gonna bother others in the adult section.00:37:17.290 --> 00:37:20.260
So, but I mean, even in today's age, you're not really getting.00:37:21.260 --> 00:37:28.890
There may be some libraries where you're getting that sh but for the most part especially when you know you are with kids it's pretty light on that front.00:37:28.950 --> 00:37:44.360
And we've had times where during our story time, inside the meeting room, baby may start crying or something, or you know, a toddler might,
might, we're all dads, so we all understand like nobody's looking around like who, you know, like when you're on an airplane who no we understand.00:37:44.490 --> 00:37:46.740
And we can tune it out and still, you know, pay attention.00:37:47.290 --> 00:37:48.850
So yeah.00:37:48.850 --> 00:37:50.320
I hope that answers your question.00:37:50.470 --> 00:37:52.840
Erin Bailey: Yeah, and I think that's part of the brotherhood too, right?00:37:52.840 --> 00:38:04.855
Normalizing children's actions, behaviors for each other, and being there for each other because you know how frustrating it can get when your child has a tantrum, but that's part of childhood.00:38:05.855 --> 00:38:06.485
Khari Arnold: Absolutely.00:38:06.665 --> 00:38:15.696
Nothing strengthens your emotional intelligence and resolve then being able to monitor how you react.00:38:16.696 --> 00:38:16.906
Moments.00:38:17.906 --> 00:38:21.236
Erin Bailey: So we're, this has been an amazing conversation.00:38:21.236 --> 00:38:22.586
Thank you so much, Kari.00:38:22.586 --> 00:38:27.176
We always end with this question because the podcast is called Reading Inspires.00:38:27.686 --> 00:38:29.366
What does Reading inspire for you?00:38:30.366 --> 00:38:30.836
Khari Arnold: Those moments?00:38:30.891 --> 00:38:32.151
That's a great question.00:38:32.201 --> 00:38:36.181
I would say reading inspires you to reach your full potential.00:38:37.281 --> 00:38:42.231
Yeah, it unlocks a version of you that you wouldn't have known existed.00:38:43.231 --> 00:38:54.851
I didn't go out expecting to lead a community of, you know, right now 700 families have been to the library Dads events.00:38:56.156 --> 00:38:56.936
Erin Bailey: Incredible.00:38:58.301 --> 00:39:01.921
Khari Arnold: Yeah, I didn't I didn't venture out into that just on my own.00:39:02.551 --> 00:39:04.801
It was a book that somewhat inspired that, you know.00:39:05.321 --> 00:39:17.721
And so when we have in total 700 dads and kids that have shown up and have expressed I've heard many of them express what is done for them.00:39:18.966 --> 00:39:22.746
But I didn't get there until I saw what it did for me.00:39:23.646 --> 00:39:29.466
And then you go even further, is what another author Jim Tra is what he did.00:39:30.426 --> 00:39:31.716
And he put that in a book.00:39:32.136 --> 00:39:36.711
I read it and now it unlocked a newer version of me.00:39:37.216 --> 00:39:43.266
And a lot of others are gonna be better for it if you start.00:39:44.286 --> 00:39:47.166
Thinking about how you can apply some of these principles.00:39:47.346 --> 00:39:53.776
I'm not just talking about, you know, the books about how to read to your kids, just anything, even fiction books.00:39:54.406 --> 00:39:59.856
That's, my wife's really into fiction books and they spark your creativity.00:39:59.946 --> 00:40:02.141
I haven't read one in a good minutes.00:40:03.356 --> 00:40:07.586
Been about six years since I've read a full fiction book.00:40:07.736 --> 00:40:13.866
But I remember reading that when I was like, okay, this actually got my mind spinning with just creativity.00:40:13.866 --> 00:40:14.226
Right?00:40:14.706 --> 00:40:16.776
And so, it just unlocks so much.00:40:16.986 --> 00:40:18.696
That's what, that's how reading inspires.00:40:19.376 --> 00:40:20.316
Erin Bailey: Thank you, Kari.00:40:20.316 --> 00:40:28.356
This has been inspiring and I hope all the families and educators and literacy lovers that are listening to this felt inspired too.00:40:28.416 --> 00:40:28.986
So thank you.00:40:28.986 --> 00:40:29.046
I.
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