Meet our Tutor Trainers!

Last fall we learned that my granddaughter would be born with Down syndrome. A few days after our news, a friend of mine gave me a news article featuring the i have a voice travelling photo exhibit of children with Down syndrome sponsored by GiGi’s Playhouse.

A few days later I was driving down Golf Road looking for a store and turned into the wrong parking lot. But there it was: GiGi’s Playhouse. I wasn’t sure I should go in but gathered the courage to do so and was welcomed. I saw what a wonderful place it was. I knew I would like my granddaughter to be part of it! I am a first grade teacher and have been teaching for 20 years. I decided it would be a good place for me to learn as well and volunteered to be a literacy tutor.

Annabelle was born in March of 2010 and I am so glad she has a place like GiGi’s to welcome her!

Sandy Porten,

Hoffman Estates Literacy Tutor Training Team

Sandy and the Tutor Training Team meeting with Hoffman Literacy Tutors

I don’t remember exactly how I first learned about GiGi’s Playhouse. I do remember thinking, “I really want to get involved with this place!”

I am a former special education teacher. My heart has always been with children who have special needs, and since I had a brother who had Down syndrome, the children at GiGi’s are very special to me. I have been part of the Literacy program at GiGi’s for the past year, and have seen how effective it is in helping children grow to their full potential. I think we can make the program even more useful and relevant, which is why I am part of the tutor training program.

Marsha Enrici

Hoffman Estates Literacy Tutor Training Team

Marsha and Kate

December 9 – An Amazing Day!

Wyatt read his first book today, December 9^th, during his Literacy session with Carol. Then he picked up another one and read it, too! This is the result we wanted!!! Carol is wonderful!

Wyatt loves verbal praise! His attending skills improved during this session, which made him more successful and therefore made reading more enjoyable and full of pride for him. Thanks and kudos to Carol! With more time and practice, he will do even better.