Literacy Tutoring and Kendyl’s Best of All

“What I love most about reading: It gives you the ability to reach higher ground. And keep climbing.”

― Oprah Winfrey

Like everyone in the world, the ability to read opens doors for individuals with Down syndrome in all areas of life – including but not limited to – the workplace, schools, and community. Expanding reading skills also leads to improvements in speech and language development, auditory perceptual skills, and working memory function. Through the GiGi’s Playhouse 1:1 Literacy Tutoring Program, our goal is to foster a love of reading for students ages 3 and up, all while building a positive relationship with our volunteer tutors. We use a methodology with documented success based on research by professionals in the field.  Our trained tutors work at the level of the student, continually challenging and encouraging them to reach their #BestOfAll.

Tutors and students are matched each session primarily based on availability and subject interest. 10-year-old, Kendyl Bronersky, was first matched with tutor, Lynn Duncan, back in the Fall of 2021. They have now continued their literacy journey together for 5 sessions! Kendyl has had many successes over the years, such as matching, selecting, and naming letters and words, answering comprehension questions, and mastering phonics. At the end of our Fall 2023 session, Kendyl’s mom requested access to the next level of books in Reading A-Z. We are thrilled to celebrate Kendyl’s advancement in reading as a #BestOfAll moment!  

While the student application window has closed for our Spring 2024 session, we are still in desperate need of tutors! If you would like to make a huge impact on the life of someone with Down syndrome through tutoring in math and/or literacy, please complete this interest form. You don’t need a background in education or a special degree or experience in either subject. We provide all the training and support to guide you every step of the way. The time commitment is about 1 – 1.5 hours per week; and the memories will last a lifetime!

If you have any questions please email Kathleen at ktynes@gigisplayhouse.org.