Programs – Educational – Literacy
Questions about Literacy? Email literacydirector@gigisplayhouse.org
Interested in registering your child in the Literacy program? Contact the Playhouse in your area.
GiGi’s Playhouse Down syndrome Awareness Centers Literacy Program
Building the Foundation
Each child learns to read and develop literacy skills at a different pace. The GiGi’s Literacy program builds a foundation from the beginning in 4 main areas:
• Articulation
• Sight word recognition
• Vocabulary
• Comprehension
It’s never too late or too early to start building this foundation!
Group Tutoring
For our school-aged and older students, we offer group tutoring. This provides a unique opportunity to practice social skills and turn taking. The healthy competition promotes focus for each child as well!
Reading is Important
Reading is a vital life skill where doors, otherwise closed, will open up for individuals with Down syndrome in the workplace, schools and the community. Developing reading skills leads to improvements in speech and language development, auditory perceptual skills and working memory function. This will promote the self-confidence and self esteem that is so important to all individuals!
The 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 the child, but educating their parents, school teachers, and other therapists as well.
Benefits
• Increased self-esteem
• Increased confidence
• Articulation development
• Fine motor development
• Dispelled stereotypes and misconceptions
• More children mainstreamed
• More active role in schools and community
• Broader communication and speech abilities
• Greater social interaction and friendships
Multi-Disciplinary Resources
The GiGi’s Literacy program incorporates a plethora of resources for teaching reading skills including; computer games, pocket word charts, phonics and alphabet resources, manipulatives and more.
Lifestage Relevancy
Books and reading material is specific to the life-stage of the student. Whether it be a favorite television character for a toddler, a specific subject in the classroom, or a job-related topic, each book is created with relevant information to the student.