321 Days of Acceptance | We Are Generation G
March 21st is recognized each year as World Down Syndrome Day. The date (3:21) represents the third copy of the 21st chromosome. On this day, communities all over the world celebrate how we are working together to expand awareness and acceptance for people with Down syndrome. We are Generation G....
What a rewarding experience!
Hello! My name is Melissa Favata, and I am a math and literacy tutor at GiGi’s Playhouse in Hoffman Estates. I am a blended pre-kindergarten teacher for Woodstock District 200, and have been teaching for 8 years. A close friend, who tutors for the center, told me all about...
A Gift of True JOY!!
Volunteering at GiGi's Playhouse isn't just sharing your time, its finding a new meaning to life and being inspired. Learning we aren't that much difference than each other. Finding courage to believe and spread the message of acceptance for all. It's becoming generation G everyday! Check out what one of...
Back to school and READY!!!
It's hard to believe that a new school year is upon us and that Louise will be starting second grade! As we are gearing up for school, I have been reflecting on how far Louise has come since the start of this year. After deciding to leave a terrible situation,...
Fall Into Acceptance: Generation G
Generation G is an ongoing journey of global acceptance. Differences do not discriminate. We are all one birth, one accident, one diagnosis or one other defining moment away from being different, or loving someone who may be different. Program achievements at GiGi’s Playhouse are great victories. These achievements do not guarantee...
Calling all Speech-Language Pathologists!!!
GiGi’s Playhouse is looking for Speech-Language Pathology volunteers to help with communication services for our families waiting to receive therapy for the Amina Grace Speech and Language Program. SLPs would be asked to complete simple assessments, generate goals and provide weekly 30-minute sessions for a period of 10 weeks. Each...
How to Help Adults Build Conversation and Storytelling Skills
As parents, sometimes it can be difficult to understand how best to help your adult as he or she struggles with communication skills. So much is out there for fostering speech and language development in the early ages, but less is available for the teen and adult ages. The follow tips...
Become a tutor at GiGi’s Playhouse!!!
GiGi's Playhouse is looking for dedicated tutors!!! The GiGi's Playhouse Literacy and Math Tutoring Programs are based on proven methodologies from professionals in the field. This highly individualized program provides custom-made materials relevant to each student's level of learning, interest and age. The focus extends from sight word recognition to matching, selecting...
Speech and Language Tips for Winter Break!
School is almost out for Winter Break! Keeping that in mind, parents now have to find activities to fill their days. The goal should be not only to survive break, but to thrive! Speech and language practice is an ongoing process and should not take a break, just because the...
How to Create a Language Stimulating Environment
This is for all of our early language learners! Although your child may only know ten or twenty or thirty words or signs at this stage that does not mean that these are the only words you should use with him. On the contrary, your child needs to be exposed...
What are cues to help your child learn?
Have you ever wondered if there are ways to provide additional sensory cues to help your child learn? If yes, then we have some tips for you! Once your child understands a concept and is beginning to use the word or sign, provide cues or prompts when he forgets to...
Teaching Words and Concepts to Young Children with Down syndrome – Part Two
Recently we posted about how you, as a parent, can help teach words and concepts to your growing child. Here are some more tips and pieces of advice! Generalize concepts. Children with Down syndrome, often have difficulty applying the skills they have learned to use in one situation to another...