New project brings stories to daycare centers – free training on December 15th prepares interested parties for their task
With a new volunteer project, the city of Weiterstadt aims to foster a love of reading among even the youngest children. Together with the Weiterstadt Volunteer Agency, it is building a network of volunteer reading mentors. They are looking for people who would like to regularly read aloud in daycare centers and share their enthusiasm for books and stories with children. No prior pedagogical experience is required. Free training will prepare the volunteers for their new role.
The project addresses a wish from the daycare centers in Weiterstadt: Volunteers who read with the children should be well prepared and receive professional support in their work.
Reading aloud promotes language and community
Opening a picture book, laughing together at a story, or talking about what has been experienced: reading aloud offers children far more than mere entertainment.
Looking at picture books and listening together stimulates language skills, fosters imagination, and leads to the discovery of new topics. At the same time, it creates opportunities for conversation, questions, and personal encounters.
This is precisely where the new project comes in. The volunteer reading mentors will regularly visit small groups of children in the Weiterstadt daycare centers and immerse themselves in the world of books together with them.
The focus is not solely on the reading itself. The children should be actively involved and given the opportunity to contribute their thoughts and questions about the stories.
Free training on December 15th
To ensure that volunteers are well prepared for their task, the city offers a free, four-hour training course.
It will take place on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Weiterstadt City Library in the media ship.
The practice-oriented training course is led by reading and literature educator Andrea Dippel.
The content includes the selection of suitable picture books, lively and dialogic reading aloud, and opportunities to actively involve children in the stories.
Participants receive a certificate recognized by the German Federal Association for Reading Promotion (BVL) after completing the training.
Volunteers receive long-term support
The support for volunteers does not end with the training alone.
Even during their later work in daycare centers, the reading mentors receive professional support.
A designated contact person is available for this purpose. In addition, regular networking meetings are planned where volunteers can exchange ideas, share experiences, and support each other.
The aim is to create a lasting network that not only benefits the children, but also offers volunteers opportunities to meet and learn together.
Participation is possible without pedagogical training
The new service is aimed at people of all ages who enjoy books, stories and interacting with children.
No pedagogical training or special prior knowledge is required.
Good German skills, reliability, and a willingness to regularly take time to read aloud to small groups of children are important.
Participation in the four-hour training course is also a prerequisite for working with the team.
This project also offers people without previous experience in the education sector the opportunity to volunteer.
Interested parties can contact us immediately
Anyone who can imagine regularly reading aloud in a daycare center in Weiterstadt can already contact the volunteer agency.
The city of Weiterstadt and the Weiterstadt Volunteer Agency are delighted to welcome people who would like to share their enthusiasm for stories and support the new network.
The most important information
What: Building a network of volunteer reading mentors
Where: Daycare centers in Weiterstadt
Wanted: People of all ages who enjoy reading aloud and interacting with children
Requirements: Good German skills, reliability, regular time for voluntary work and participation in the training
Prior pedagogical experience: Not required
Training: Tuesday, December 15, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m
Training location: Weiterstadt City Library in the Media Ship
Speaker: Reading and literature educator Andrea Dippel
Cost: Free
Completion: Certificate recognized by the German Reading Promotion Association
Further support: Professional guidance and regular network meetings
Registration and contact: vorlesen@ehrenamt-weiterstadt.de
(WEITERSTADT – RED/PSW)
