Learning Is Hard for All of Us: Why GiGi’s Playhouse Tutoring Matters

Reading is hard. Math can be even harder.

We’ve all been there before — we see a word we don’t recognize, or a math problem we can’t solve, and we get stuck. Whether it happens in the classroom or at home, it’s frustrating.

For individuals with Down syndrome, the implications of these challenges are not just academic; being able to read or understand basic math and numbers can be deeply tied to how others see their potential… or whether they even see it at all.

That’s where you come in.

Right now, we need volunteer tutors for our One-on-One Literacy and Math Tutoring Programs across our Playhouses. Just one hour a week can open a world of opportunity for a learner and change your life in the process. Apply to be a tutor here.

At GiGi’s, we know that learning differently does not mean learning less. That’s why our One-on-One Literacy and Math Tutoring Programs — two of GiGi’s most impactful and accessible free offerings — are purposefully designed specifically for individuals with Down syndrome.

Our goal isn’t just to teach words and numbers; it’s to change the narrative.

When a child with Down syndrome learns to read, something powerful happens around them: teachers take notice, expectations shift, and their classmates see a friend who’s capable.

Conversely, learning math doesn’t just mean solving problems on a worksheet; it means understanding how to count money, tell time, or follow a schedule independently.

Simply put: these skills open doors. They create opportunities. They build lives.

But none of this happens in isolation; to ensure that these programs remain 100% free to families, they’re powered almost entirely by volunteers who dedicate just one hour a week to show up, connect, and teach.

And it works.

We’ve seen nonverbal children recognize their own names in print. We’ve seen teens beam with pride after reading their first book cover to cover. We’ve watched participants master budgeting or learn how to tell time for the first time.

This program is so effective because it’s personal. Tutors are trained and supported every step of the way. Every tutoring pair works one-on-one with goals tailored to the individual learners’ pace and interests.

But we need your help.

Last year, nearly 50% of our participants didn’t get matched with a tutor, despite wanting to learn, grow, and reach their potential. This fall, you can change that.

Though some of our tutors have a background in education, most do not. Becoming a tutor requires one main attribute:

A willingness to help some succeed.

Time and time again, we hear from volunteers whose lives are changed from this program. They build bonds, develop new perspectives, and learn how meaningful volunteering can be.

Whether you’re a college student, a working professional, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, YOU can transform a life and transform yourself in the process. All it takes is one hour a week, a little patience, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed. Learn more here!