Posts by hjaffry
Facilitating Language in Toddlers and Preschoolers
“So what kind of homework can you give my child to work on… they’re so young?” As a therapist, I LOVE THIS QUESTION. Play is work for our littles and the “homework” actually is something you as a parent can do! Below are some things YOU can do at home in your daily routine to…
Read MoreSpring Means Exciting Updates!
Spring is finally here! This means warmer weather, spring cleaning, and refreshing new activities and updates with the programs at GiGi’s Playhouse. A few of our programs have awesome new program leaders who are fully dedicated to making the programs the best they can be! Here are some of the new highlights you don’t want…
Read MoreMarch Speech Participant Spotlight!
“Nora loves participating in the GiGi’s Playhouse Amina Grace Speech and Language Program with Taylor! Since beginning the program in Fall 2018, we have seen her speech progress into attempting to make a wide range of sounds, forming new words weekly, labeling with sounds/words, and communicating better with us her wants and needs. We are…
Read MoreWorld Down Syndrome Day!
Today is the day! The day when the world recognizes and celebrates Down syndrome, and March 21 represents 321, or the triplicate of the 21st chromosome, and we all know that extra chromosomes means extra AMAZING! Individuals with Down syndrome are just like everyone else, and finding that common ground to connect with them makes…
Read MoreTeaching Imitation WITH Snacks!
Imitation is a key learning step in a child’s way to spontaneously producing words! Sometimes, our little ones are not responsive to “say…”! Therefore, we’ve come up with a fun way to teach imitation using some yummy snacks! How to Play and What to Say: Pick your child’s favorite bite-sized snack. Pour them into a…
Read MoreLots of Love in a Small Town
My name is Hurain, and I am very lucky to have a brother with Down syndrome named Amad. He is incredibly special to me and has introduced me to a side of myself I might’ve never met. I am also lucky to work for GiGi’s Playhouse and be a part of this family. I am…
Read MoreFebruary Speech Participant Spotlight!
“Amelia’s speech has exploded since we started the Amina Grace 1-on-1 Speech and Language Program at GiGi’s Playhouse. She was always eager to talk, but her quiet speed, low volue, and not clear sounds made her difficult to understand by others. You could almost see her improvement from session to session. She loves working with…
Read MoreThe More, the Merrier!
Everyone has a favorite day of the week. At GiGi University, our favorite day is Wednesday. Why? Because Wednesday is the day that GiGi U and GiGi Prep join as one class, and together, we have a group of fifteen students! What a class! The best part of this day for me, as a teacher,…
Read MoreFor the LOVE of Speech!
Happy Valentine’s Day! Love is in the air! What better way to ring in February – and better yet Valentine’s Day – than with some special speech and language ideas you can try at home! Expand Vocabulary: Valentine’s Day is synonymous with HEARTS! Hearts that are different shapes, colors, and textures are all around! Use…
Read MoreYou Wanted FIT… You Got It!!
If you’ve every been in the Playhouse on a Wednesday evening, a Friday evening, or a Saturday morning, you’ve probably had an encounter with the amazing GiGiFIT Teens class. These participants have strictly made it part of their weekly routine to be in this class and they won’t miss it for anything! The GiGiFIT curriculum…
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