Press release

dated November 10, 2026, No. 187

Reading mentors share experiences and gain new inspiration for their work

Expert insights and personal exchanges at two events organized by the Volunteer Office

Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District. Once again this year, the Volunteer Office at the Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District Administration invited reading mentors from the northern and southern parts of the district to separate events. On two separate dates, the events focused on professional exchange, new ideas for volunteer reading and learning support, and the opportunity to share experiences from the day-to-day work of reading mentors.

Dagmar Steffan, a learning and development coach, provided expert insights. She introduced various Brain-Gym® exercises that the participants were able to try out right away. These included, for example, the so-called “lying eight,” a midline movement designed to activate both hemispheres of the brain and support learning processes. She also explained basic brain functions that are important for cognitive performance and discussed the importance of a diet that promotes concentration.

Specific challenges encountered in the day-to-day work of reading mentors were also addressed. For example, excessive pressure to read can make reading difficult for children. As a possible solution, Dagmar Steffan recommended trying to read sentences backward to break the usual reading pattern and create a different approach.

“I was very pleased to see how much interest there was in the technical content. The reading mentors asked numerous questions and took the opportunity to share their experiences with one another. It was also particularly nice that some prospective participants were there who could envision becoming reading mentors and were able to strike up conversations right away with those who have been involved for many years,” reports Isabelle Hagen from the Senior Volunteer Office.

Looking for New Reading Mentors

Anyone who can imagine volunteering once a week to help a child learn to read is warmly welcome. Those interested can contact a school in their area directly or reach out to Isabelle Hagen at the Volunteer Office in the Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District Office by calling 08041 505-307.

Through their dedication, reading mentors make a valuable contribution to children’s learning development. In addition to helping them learn to read, they offer them, above all, time, attention, and encouragement.

Sabine Schmid
Press spokeswoman
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen District Office