One Million Voices? It IS possible!
When I think about reaching one million voices, I literally get sick to my stomach thinking, how are we going to make this happen??? It’s impossible! Then I think back to the very first Playhouse and I remember multiple people asking if they could open one. More than one?? I...
Back-to-School Speech Tips!
One of the biggest questions parents ask is, “What can I do to help my child’s speech and language development?”. There are many books, apps, and language learning toys that can be recommended; however, the most important way to expand speech and language skills is throughout naturalistic play!! It’s not...
August 2018 Participant Spotlight!
The Amina Grace Speech and Language Program sees amazing kids and incredible progress every single day. Here's our spotlight participant for August! "We are forever grateful and apreciative of what GiGi's Playhouse and the Amina Grace Speech and Language Program have provided to our son, Joey. Since he joined the...
How Down syndrome and GiGi’s Playhouse helped her find her lifelong passion…
A NEIGHBOR CHANGES THE COURSE OF HER LIFE As a young girl, I did not have an ideal childhood. Growing up in an abusive home, I often felt unheard and, at times, unloved. I was fortunate to have neighbors that would change my life forever. At 11 years old, I...
Small act of kindness makes a BIG impact! | Volunteering
I have volunteered at GiGi's Playhouse for the past couple of years working towards my Girl Scout Gold Award. My experience volunteering has been inspiring. I spent countless hours creating literacy packets for the students in the tutoring program. I have been able to witness my simple task of creating...
She’s got a lot to say, and now we’re hearing it!
“We have been so impressed with Grace’s speech progress. She is now communicating with us using three or more words and her clarity has greatly improved! It’s amazing the doors that have been opened now that she can voice her opinion, communicate her needs, and express herself verbally. She’s got...
GiGi’s has made an impact that will last a lifetime
We received our official membership to the Down syndrome community on April 21, 2017. That was the day that our son Hudson entered our lives. Since that very first day, I knew that we were joining a special community full of passionate people. GiGi’s Playhouse is blessed with many of...
Volunteering in a Postive Atmosphere
My name is Emily and I started volunteering in the summer of 2016. I became involved at GiGi’s Playhouse after hearing about the positive impact the playhouse had on families and I decided I wanted to join an organization where everyone treats each other like a family. I can be...
Fun Indoor Speech Tools!!!
As we hopefully are closing out these colder days of being stuck indoors here are some fun way to refine speech and language skills while confined inside. First up, Buzz Blast. Kids will delight in the timed task of coming up with original answers to four challenges: describing the differences...
From L.M.N.O.P to Leaps & Bounds
Last month for the first time, Sara and I participated in the Leaps and Bounds program. We have been coming to the L.M.N.O.P. program since Sara was very young and now she has transitioned out of the L.M.N.O.P. since she is attendeding school during the day now. We were super...
I’m a proud mama!
"I’m a proud mama! Hope had her 3rd literacy session at GiGi's Playhouse Hoffman Estates. She is improving each day and working hard. Her first session she could only last 15 minutes, today 45 minutes!!!!!! Today she walked into the room and started working right away! She has an amazing tutor, we...
The Spotlight is on Sammy!
Sammy (5 years old) started coming to the playhouse when she was just a month and a half years old. She has participated in many programs at the playhouse such as LMNOP, Crawlers and Walkers, Family Fun, Speech, Literacy and of course her favorite, Open Play. Sammy looks forward to...