Programs-Education

Educational Programs in Des Moines

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Literacy Program

The GiGi’s Playhouse Literacy Program uses a methodology with documented success based on the research of professionals in the field. Trained tutors work at the level of the child, continually challenging and encouraging them utilizing custom flashcards and books as well as computer resources and games. This literacy education includes not only direct instruction with t he child, but educating the parents. school teachers, and other therapists as well. For more information on the Literacy Program in Des Moines please contact us at: LiteracyDesMoines@gigisplayhouse.org.

Math Program

The aim of this program is to help promote a positive experience of learning mathematics and to develop a sound foundation of basic number understanding. Understanding that our children will vary greatly in individual abilities and challenges in comprehending math, we combined multiple approaches which utilize multi-sensory teaching, and aligned them with topics taught in the classroom, in hopes of providing a comprehensive and cohesive program. The program is designed to include resource material and methodology from the following: Numicon, TouchMath, Teaching Math to People with Down syndrome and Other Hands-on Learners, Number Skills for Infants with Down Syndrome, TouchMoney. For more information on the Math Program in Des Moines please contact us at: MathDesMoines@gigisplayhouse.org.

Skill Builders Program

Reinforcing school-aged skills, Skill Builders incorporates handwriting, math, social skill development and phonics. The focus of this GiGi’s program becomes social interaction. These skills include anything from turn taking, making eye contact, inviting friends to play, appropriateness in public, etc. Consequently, friendships are developed through each class as well.

Social Boundaries Program

This class offers a simple multi-layer visuals to demonstrate the different relationship levels students will encounter in daily life to generalize learning across home, school, social and vocational. Please email ProgramsDesMoines@gigisplayhouse.org to learn more about upcoming classes. These classes are usually offered 4 times per year.

Handwriting Program

Please check back soon we are working on getting our handwriting program started! If you are interested in volunteering with thsi program please email:DBargstadt@gigisplayhouse.org or Jessica at: DesMoines@gigisplayhouse.org!

Summer Back Pack Buddies Program 2013

Summer Backpack Buddies will be our group literacy program for all children & teens at or below a second grade reading level. There will be 7 sessions, and you can sign up for one, a couple, or all of them! Each session we will explore two subjects in math or language, where participants will have fun while learning! Backpack Buddies will meet every Tuesday from 10 – 11am. Space is limited, so learners must register to participate. Late registrants will not be accepted.
June 10th: “Frogs” and “Jump, Frog, Jump!”
June 24th: “My Five Senses” and “Growing Vegetable Soup”
July 1st: “Building a House” and The Bag I’m Taking to Grandma’s”
July 8th: “On the Farm” and If the Dinosaurs Came Back”
July 15th: “Bunny Cakes” and Creepy Beetles”
July 22nd: “This is Baseball” and Tumble Bumble”
July 29th: “Amelia’s Fantastic Flight” and Who Hops?”

Registration is due to DesMoines@gigisplayhouse.org by May 31st.

1 Comment

  1. Literacy Volunteer Tutors Needed | Des Moines - Down syndrome awareness center on June 5, 2012 at 6:32 pm

    […] a Literacy Tutor working with Families 1-on-1 for a minimum of 1 hour per week please go to: http://jldesigntestsite.info/desmoines/education-at-des-moines! Download the Literacy Tutor Volunteer Form, fill it out and email it to us at: […]