Posts Tagged ‘Down syndrome awareness’
Sue Catalano: The Joy of Tutoring
Volunteer Spotlight: Sue Catalano Sue Catalano is one of our amazing tutors, and she has been volunteering at the playhouse for over a year! She is an amazing mother of 3, all now out of college. Sue was a teacher for 6th grade and pre-k before having a family, and now works part-time, spending her free-time enjoying yoga, golfing, going for walks, reading, and of course tutoring…
Read MoreThe Importance of Developing Social Skills
The Importance of Developing Social Skills What are social skills, and why are they important? Educationalplaycare.com states: “Developing social skills in children prepares them for a lifetime of healthier interactions in all aspects of life. Social skills are an integral part of functioning in society. Displaying good manners, communicating effectively with others, being considerate of…
Read MoreStay-at-home, Songs, & Sammy
In the Midst of a Pandemic- a Moment of Grace “When we began our journey under a stay-at-home order back in March, it quickly became apparent to me that this was going to be a very stressful time for all involved. I began to read various posts on social media of people who were trying…
Read MoreOctober 20th- Michelle and Faith
“We would like everyone to know Faith is a loveable teenager who enjoys giving everyone Faith Hugs! She loves dancing and singing to her favorite artist Taylor Swift.” – Michelle, mom to Faith Faith enjoys literacy tutoring at GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley!
Read MoreOctober 19th- Sandy and Olivia
“’You are so pretty, you are so beautiful, you are so sweet.’ I say these words everyday to Olivia, so much so that she signs “sweet” with a smile from ear to ear towards the end of the sentence. Every morning I look forward to seeing her, she fills my energy cup with her overflow…
Read MoreOctober 18th- Amy and Sean
Look what Sean can do! “When Sean was born, we were told of all the things he would not do. Oh, how wrong they were!! He can ride a bike, he can buckle himself in the car, he can swim and go down slides, and he can read and write! It might take longer than…
Read MoreOctober 14th- Kristin and Samantha
“As we celebrate Down syndrome Awareness Month, I can’t help but reflect on the beautiful journey our Samantha has taken us on. I’ll never forget the day our doctor called with a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. I was scared, angry, devastated, and just plain terrified that life would never be the same. I wish…
Read MoreOctober 13th- Lindy and Jaclyn
Life with Jacyln♥ #lifewithjaclyn “Each year approximately 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome. In 2010, our family was blessed with one of them. On the morning of May 5, 2010 we received the surprise of a lifetime shortly after our sweet baby girl was born via immediate C-section following a routine doctor’s appointment. She…
Read MoreOctober 12th- Brianna and Lorelai
“Having a child with Down Syndrome (and Autism) has been a surprise, and has taught us a lot. The biggest lesson I have learned on this expedition has been to celebrate. Celebrate every major and minor victory. Celebrate our time together. Celebrate the journey. Celebrate knowing her siblings will learn from her. Celebrate how hard…
Read MoreOctober 11th- Holly and Grace
“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful places.” “Our daughter Grace (lovingly known by many as ‘Honey’) was born March 11, 2006 with an after birth diagnosis of Down syndrome. We were shocked and scared of the unknown. What did this mean? What were we going to do? What was our life, her life, going to…
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