January Event/Program Buzz
Check out all the special events & purposeful programs planned at the Playhouse in January! Sign up and join in! No cost for organized and led programs.
Please RSVP for participants attending all programs on our GiGi’s Playhouse calendar so our volunteer leaders can prepare enough materials and have sufficient supervision for all attendees. If you RSVP’d and cannot make it, let us know at annapolis@gigisplayhouse.org so we can open your spot to others who may be waiting. Be sure to sign in everyone in your family as you enter and exit the Playhouse – Thank you for your support!
Special Events:
Children’s Author Jennifer Curtis – Read Aloud & Therapy Dogs (All ages) At GiGi’s Playhouse and children can read, tell a story, or just talk, pet or hug a Caring Canine Therapy Dog while listening to Children’s Author Jennifer Keats Curtis read her children’s books aloud.
RSVP for Sat., Jan. 4, 10-11am
Dine to Donate! Killarney House, Galway Bay, & Brian Boru Irish Restaurants Fundraising Night (All families) Invite family and friends for dinner at any of the four Irish Restaurants above…socialize and enjoy delicious food while raising needed funds for GiGi’s Playhouse free programs. Dine to Donate order from their Fundraiser Specialty Menu! Suggested to make a reservation directly with the restaurant.
Pirates Cove Irish Restaurant Dine to Donate Fundraiser: Thursday; Jan. 9, 5pm-9pm
Mindfulness Workshop (Ages 4+) Parents and children ages 4 and up will learn self-regulating strategies and emotional literacy tools in a way that is easy for parents to model and fun for children to practice. The Rainbow Technique incorporates yoga, dance, music, movement, art, and affirmations to create a multi-sensory approach to mindfulness in a way that resonates with children. Saturday, Jan. 11, 4:30-5:30pm
DSC Parent Speaker Night TOPIC: Paving a Path to Success: Obtaining the Appropriate IEP for Your Child
Wednesday, Jan. 15th 6:30pm-8pm (Please RSVP if childcare is needed)
The Mitchell Gallery Youth Tour/Hands On Activity, St. John’s College (Ages 6-12)
LMNOP (Birth-3 years) LMNOP is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication using music and language-based activities.
Crawlers & Walkers (2-4 years) We are excited to launch a new GiGi’s Playhouse program: Crawlers & Walkers. This program focuses on the development of gross and fine motor skills through activities that are hands-on and fun! Social skills and language development will also be addressed, with focus on learning new words, following directions and interacting with peers.
RSVP for Thursday, Jan. 16, 10-11am
RSVP for Thursday, Jan. 30, 10-11am
Leaps & Bounds (3-5 years) This program focuses on the development of large and small muscle groups. Children will participate in fun and engaging activities that require movement and interaction with their development. This program is for children ages 3-5 years.
Art Explosion (5-12 years) A fun Sunday afternoon at the Playhouse creating art and getting together with friends to build, social relationships and increase communication skills in a casual environment. Siblings welcome!
Kids Club (8-12 years) This program is designed to support the development of social skills and language through peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting! Kids Club supports gross motor skills through active games, fine motor and self- help skills through various activities.
RSVP for Saturday, Jan. 18, 11:30-12:45pm
Yoga (8-15 years) To help your child develop healthy habits for a lifetime of wellness and happiness. Yoga gives children a practice and routine that integrates physical, mental and emotional development. Yoga program will help your child develop more personal awareness and learn specific strategies to maintain focus and manage their emotions and impulses. Relax, breathe and practice some basic poses with our awesome GiGi Leader, Maureen! We provide the mat. Wear comfortable clothes.
RSVP for Saturday, Jan. 18, 2-2:45pm
Teen Tastic (13-17 years) Teen Tastic is an interactive and engaging program for teens ages 13 through 18. This program is for teenagers with Down syndrome and those without Down syndrome. We support the development of social skills, fine motor skills, self-help skills, and language through peer to peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program may also support gross motor skills through active games.
RSVP for Thursday, Jan. 23, 6:30- 8pm
GiGi’s Kitchen: (Teens 13-17) Cooking class to learn basic kitchen skills, how to use kitchen tools, budget, shop, plan and prepare healthy snacks/meals on your way to independence! Please commit to 9-week session)
Parents interested in registering their teen (13-17 years old) with Down syndrome in our new GiGi’s Kitchen Teen program, please attend an informational session with your teenager on Sat., Jan. 4, 3pm. There will be a fun interactive mini-lesson for the participants while parents/guardians meet the leaders and learn about the program, expectations and commitment needed. There is no charge to participate in the GiGi’s Kitchen program, but please be aware there are limited spots due to the nature of the program and space.
Saturdays, Jan. 14-March, 3-4:30pm – Program registration will open following the Information session.
Fantastic Friends (Adults 18+)
Fantastic Friends Winter Dance – Theme: Winter Wonderland Santa’s After Party! Let’s Dance!
Fantastic Friends Program Our Fantastic Friends program supports the development of social skills and language through peer to peer interaction in a casual fun setting. Adult participants participate in the planning of activities so that group activities are based on personal interests. During Fantastic Friends, the group may participate in active games, dancing or exploring their local community by participating in outings and events. Fantastic Friends is for participants ages 18 years and older.
Fantastic Friends PiYo Work Out! (Adults 18+) Brings exercise and friendship to our adult participants. Helps with balance and strength while promoting healthy living.
RSVP for Tuesday, Jan. 14 , 6:30-7:30pm
RSVP for Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6:30-7:30pm
RSVP for Tuesday, Jan. 28, 6:30-7:30pm