Together we will reach the top!

Eddie and Caiden are perfect examples of living out GiGi’s Playhouse Core Values. Enthusiastic. Best of All. Get It Done. Believe. In Middle and High School Eddie was in special education classes himself. As a student, Eddie often felt limited and never felt challenged. He pushed himself and set high expectations for himself. Now a…

Read More

Every Volunteer has a Story!

The many purposeful FREE programs at GiGi’s Playhouse provide foundational learning opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, families, and volunteers. In today’s GiGi’s blog, we’d like to tell the story of Nancy Bachmann, a longtime volunteer in GiGi University, as well as showcase the interviewing skills of Brian! Nancy has been with us for a few years and has lots of great insights to share, but we’ll let…

Read More

It All Adds Up: Math is Awesome!

For some of us (okay, maybe a lot of us!), math is not our favorite subject. There are so many concepts that can be easy or difficult to grasp, and even more that we don’t bother to try! Typical ways of teaching math can be complex and daunting. Luckily for our individuals with Down syndrome,…

Read More

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 the wonderful programs provided through…

Read More

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 new program leaders and tutor…

Read More

Fall Literacy and Math Tutoring!

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 and naming,phonics, comprehension, number recognition and knowledge of addition and…

Read More

Summer 2015 tutoring registration is now open!

Looking for something fun and educational to do this summer?  The Summer 2015 tutoring session is now open for registration.  Take a look at our website here to register as a tutor or a student! Nicole is a GiGi U graduate, Hugs + Mugs mentor and Literacy and Math student in our tutoring program.  Nicole…

Read More

Math Program begins at the Playhouse!

We are so excited to have our Math Program! The Literacy Program is a HUGE success at the Playhouse, now we are expanding our educational programming! We have an eight-week pilot going on right now, and are off to a great start! There is a great fundraiser to help support this program. For only $5,…

Read More