Community Connection with North Park Elementary

Written by Maya Wilkins OTA Student

GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago welcomed some very special visitors this week from neighboring North Park Elementary School! Ms. Lawrence’s first grade class arrived eager to learn more about GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, Down syndrome, and how they can be a part of #GenerationG by being accepting, generous, and kind.

Quincy, Emily, Ryan, Colleen, and Lucy from Fantastic Friends did a wonderful job engaging the students in a great discussion about what it means to have Down syndrome and sharing about the many programs GiGi’s Playhouse offers to create a more inclusive and accepting community for all. After a fun round of introductions with the class and a few dance moves later, Quincy read a book to the group titled, “We’ll Paint the Octopus Red”, a story about a 6-year-old girl who is excited to have a new baby brother and imagines all the fun things they will do together. After learning that her new brother has Down syndrome, she worries they won’t be able to do everything she envisioned but quickly learns that her brother, like many others with Down syndrome, are able to do the same things as someone who doesn’t have Down syndrome even if they need a little extra help sometimes!

The first graders were excited to go on a tour of the playhouse and were able to draw many connections between things they do every day too like helping to cook meals with their family, exercising, playing games, doing arts and crafts, and hanging out with their friends. Ms. Lawrence shared that she wanted her class to engage in a meaningful service-learning experience in their community that provided an opportunity for new exposure and growth. The partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago and Ms. Lawrence’s class is an invaluable experience for everyone involved and is one we look forward to continuing each year.

The class ended their visit by taking the Generation G Pledge and each receiving the signature marking of a G surrounded by a heart on their palm, with some even returning to get it on their other hand! Watching the class walk around to each other proudly displaying their pledge and high fiving was so heartwarming and a great way to end an afternoon of connection, compassionate learning, and fun.

Thank you to Ms. Lawrence and her first grade class, you are welcome back anytime!