We Are GiGi’s! We ARE Teen Tastic!

The teens at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago have been hard at work this year and it definitely shows in their new video. This video project started out as a self-reflection and an introduction to the Teen Tastic team. During this process, teens made autobiographical posters that described their likes, dislikes, their interests, future plans, and dreams. However, the project didn’t end there! The team took it to the next level by presenting their posters on stage and showing off their awesome dance moves in an amazing video.

What is Teen Tastic?

Teen Tastic is an interactive and engaging program for teens that is held every other Thursday from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.  It follows the GetFit program, which runs from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM.  Participants in Teen Tastic gain confidence, leadership skills, and empowerment while working as part of a team or on individual projects and tasks.  If you, or your child, are looking for opportunities to socialize, practice your leadership skills, and be a part of amazing creative projects, then TeenTastic is the right group for you!

Teens are having a lot of fun but that’s not all that is happening.  Teen Tastic supports the therapeutic-based development of individuals with Down syndrome.   Our goals include achieving the following:

• social skills increase, with focus on group participation and increasing leisure activity options.
• language development increase, with focus on appropriateness, maintaining conversation and non-verbal social language.
• Increase gross motor skills, with focus on general health, fitness (strength and balance), and awareness of personal space.
• Increase fine motor skills & self-help skills through participation in various activities.

Come join us at our next sessions on May 25, 2017 and June 8, 2017 . Friends and family are always welcome to join in on the fun. Currently the teens are working on their next project, a music video, where more of their awesome dance moves will be showcased. We look forward to seeing you there!

Meet the TeenTastic Team!

TeenTastic Participants: Quincy, Ryan, Adam, Isabelle, Emily, Ahmad, Lucy, Abigail, Emma, Lucas, Odelia, Colleen, Diego, Emmanuel, Louis, Michelle, and Jessica

TeenTastic Facilitators: Rikki Ostrowski, Jenny Popova, Kendall Busse, Adam Osborn, and Abbey Melling