Awareness
5 Ways to Nurture Learning in Children with Down syndrome
Check out these 5 ways to nurture a love of learning in children with Down syndrome. SPARK CURIOSITY Ask an open-ended question… then WAIT! Sometimes children with Down syndrome just need a little extra processing time. Interruptions or too many questions can be overwhelming. When you give them time to answer they can truly show you…
Read MoreDown Syndrome in a COVID-19 World
Don’t high-five, don’t shake hands, don’t touch anything. Don’t travel, don’t leave the house unless you have to, and definitely don’t hug. We have all been bombarded with a list of do’s and don’ts during the COVID-19 pandemic. So it’s fairly common knowledge what we should and shouldn’t be doing to avoid catching or spreading…
Read MoreWhy Do Media Portrayals of Kids with Down Syndrome Matter So Much to Us?
I was so torn over the controversy about the Today Show segments with Shawn Johnson and Andrew East. First of all, congratulations to Shawn and Andrew! Every new parent should be congratulated, and every child should be celebrated. The anticipation of a new baby is one of the best possible gifts we get in our lives!! …
Read MoreWhy is this a big deal?
GiGi will be singing the National Anthem at the Chicago Cubs game on June 25th! Just take a moment to think about that! She will be giving hope to so many people who have watched their loved ones struggle to say just one word let alone sing the entire National Anthem! So GiGi’s Playhouse will…
Read MoreThe Gift of Down Syndrome
Today we welcome back long time GiGi’s Playhouse friend and advocate, Richard Riley. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy some encouragement. Dear Friends in the greater Down syndrome community, You’re probably already thinking that this guy is completely nuts. How can Down syndrome be a gift? Let me confound you further:…
Read MoreYour Child CAN learn MATH!
Your Child CAN learn MATH! FUN activities you can do with your child to support early math learning: 1. Play with Shape Sorters! 2. Make simple patterns using something your child loves. Stickers – get two sets and place them in a row “star, circle, star, circle, star, circle……” M&M’s – place them in a row…
Read MoreDear Doctor | Know Better, Do Better.
GiGi’s Playhouse is made of inspiration, belief, achievements and the beautiful stories of every person who becomes part of this family. Today we are proud to share the words and heart of GiGi’s Playhouse Tinley Park founder, Diane Husar. Like many her introduction to the Down syndrome world was less than what it should have…
Read MoreGiGi’s is Going to #NDSC2018 and We Want to Meet YOU!
We are so excited to be heading to the 46th Annual National Down Syndrome Congress conference in Dallas this weekend! With thousands of people from across the globe attending, it’s an incredible opportunity for us to connect with and learn from our amazing extended Down syndrome family –including experts, parents, siblings and many other impactful…
Read MoreWhy Stop at a Month? | 365 Days of Awesome!
See ya later October! Down Syndrome Acceptance Month was great, we busted some myths, we shared our stories, we continued to introduce the world to a new and dynamic individual with Down syndrome and we asked the world to see & accept our friends and loved ones rocking their extra chromosome. But, is that really enough?…
Read MoreStrength | 321 Days of Acceptance | GiGi’s Playhouse
If you are new to Down syndrome we are going to share a secret with you…..strength is a huge part of this diagnosis. Meet Vanessa, Day 168 of 321 Days of Acceptance. We are going to learn a bit about her strength & the strength she has given those who love her. Individuals with…
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