Press releases

Those who read regularly train their language development, imagination and ability to concentrate. And exciting stories often lead to us becoming enthusiastic about the topics and phenomena they describe. And this is precisely where the cooperation between Deutsche Telekom Stiftung and Stiftung Lesen comes in, which launched the "STEM reading mentors" project in 2016: the aim is to get children between the ages of three and ten interested in science and technology by reading stories to them. The foundations developed a special list of STEM media tips for this purpose, which includes both classic books and digital offerings such as apps and animated eBooks.

From stationery made from elephant poop and milk that you can buy in one piece

The children at childcare center "Kleine Wolkenstürmer" were delighted to have a very special STEM reading mentor last Tuesday in Bonn: Thomas Dannenfeldt, CFO of Deutsche Telekom AG, and Dr. Wolfgang Schuster, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Deutsche Telekom Foundation, read from the children's book "Ich kenn ein Land, das du nicht kennen ..." by Martina Badstuber. The book takes its young readers on a wondrous journey of discovery through different countries. It tells of stationery that is made from elephant poop in Thailand. Or about the fact that you can buy milk in one piece in Russia because it gets -71 degrees in Siberia. "This extraordinary non-fiction book explores the diversity of the world: With lots of humor and interaction. It was an all-round successful visit that was great fun for everyone," says Martina Seck from the daycare management team at the pme Familienservice Group, which runs the Bonn-based childcare center .

STEM reading mentors wanted!

Together, the foundations are looking for volunteer STEM reading mentors to help children of childcare center and primary school age to improve their language skills and at the same time learn about mathematics, science and technology. The volunteer reading mentors are trained via face-to-face and online formats such as webinars and explanatory videos. Anyone interested should contact the Reading Aloud Network of Stiftung Lesen. http://www.netzwerkvorlesen.de

About the childcare center "Little cloud stormers"

In cooperation with Deutsche Telekom AG, Familienservice realized the 12-group childcare center Kleine Wolkenstürmer after months of planning and conversion work. Since May 2012, 180 children have been cared for in 2 buildings on a 2200 m² site. There are 6 crèche groups, each with 10 crèche children (4 months-3 years) and 6 mixed-age groups (2-6 years), each with space for 20 children.
The varied and child-friendly outdoor area provides learning stimuli in all areas of education and also ensures the greatest possible safety for the children in care by using the latest safety technology. Dr. Ilse Wehrmann (expert in early childhood education) advises and supervises the concept of the facility.

 
*MINT stands for mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology.