Build-Out

  Hi everyone! My name is Emily Mangan and I am an intern at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago this summer. I just finished my junior year of undergrad at Baylor University, and I am happy to be home for the summer. As a Pre-Occupational Therapy student, GiGi’s Playhouse is a great opportunity for me to learn…

At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago, we believe that every tutoring session is an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow, not just for our students, but for our tutors as well. Recently, we had the pleasure of watching a special connection form between one of our literacy tutors, Michelle, and her student, Karen. What started as structured…

Hi everyone! My name is Melissa, and I’m so excited to be joining GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago for the next 14 weeks as part of my doctoral capstone project at UIC, where I’m currently an occupational therapy doctoral student. During my time here, I’ll be leading the Art Explosion and Playhouse Pals programs as part of…

GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago is bursting with pride! At this year’s Brew HaHa Fundraising Event, we had the absolute joy of recognizing three incredible individuals (and one amazing family!) whose passion, dedication, and love for our community make the Playhouse a brighter, more magical place every day. Meet our 2024 honorees!         Rising…

How to Play Football Squares:  Grid Setup: Create a 10×10 grid of squares. Assign one team name for the top (columns) and one for the side (rows). Fill the squares 1 to 100, making it easier for people to choose their desired square(s). See an example one you can use HERE. Claim Your Square: Pick…

Last week, we kicked off our Open House events with coffee and bagels. As we welcomed families back to the playhouse, they shared highlights of their past, present, and future experiences with GiGi’s Playhouse. Past: Q: What was the highlight of 2024? Present: Q: What was your favorite part of our Open House? Future: Q:…

  Looking for a fun, engaging way to bond with your little ones while building foundational skills? Join GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago for our signature LMNOP (Language, Music ‘N Our Peeps) program!    What is LMNOP?  LMNOP is one of GiGi’s Playhouse’s signature programs, designed for children ages 0–3 and their families. This interactive experience helps…

🎶 There was a Playhouse that had a game, and BINGO was its name-o! 🎶    This January, GiGi’s Playhouse is kicking off 2025 with a month-long Bingo challenge filled with fun, connection, and amazing prizes. From January 1 to January 31, we’re inviting everyone in our community to participate, complete their Bingo cards, and…

Happy New Year from all of us at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago! We’re thrilled to welcome 2025 with a series of exciting open–house activities and events throughout January, and we’d love for you to join in on the fun. These activities and events are the perfect opportunity to experience our programs, connect with the community, and…

Written by Isabel and Saba The winter months can bring shorter days, colder weather, and a common case of the “winter blues.” For many people, including individuals with Down syndrome, this season can lead to feeling less energetic, less motivated, and even a bit down. But don’t worry—there’s a powerful tool to combat the winter…