All About LMNOP

Spring programming is right around the corner and that means LMNOP will be rockin’ the Playhouse on Friday mornings. Language Music N’ Our Peeps (LMNOP) is an interactive and engaging program designed to teach parents and young children (0-4 years old) basic sign language and other forms of communication through music and language-based activities. 

LMNOP was developed by a Speech and Language Pathologist, and evaluated and refined by the National Therapeutic Excellence Committee to ensure it aligns with the unique learning styles of individuals with Down syndrome. 

The program leader or co-leaders and trained volunteers use standardized tools, resources, and lesson plans to implement the program. 

The goals of LMNOP are to: 

• Introduce and practice the use of basic signs, gestures and pictures to support language development 
• Increase language development, with focus on vocabulary development, following basic directions and social interaction with peers using music, stories and play
• Introduce transitions and circle time; key stills needed to prepare children for pre-school and beyond 

At GiGi’s Playhouse Madison, we have been fortunate to have a lot of really great volunteers from Edgewood College’s Child Life Program to help facilitate LMNOP. Edgewood’s Child Life programs prepare students for careers as Child Life Specialists in both hospital and alternative settings. Child Life Specialists provide psychosocial care for children,  and advocacy to families. They promote patient and family-centered care and provide therapeutic support in working with children and their families – not unlike what we do at GiGi’s, and what is expected of LMNOP program leaders and volunteers. 

In addition to the personal and professional experience these volunteers bring to the Playhouse, LMNOP volunteers are subject to background checks and receive specialized program training through the GiGi’s Playhouse National Organization. 

GiGi’s Playhouse believes that cost should never be a barrier to success, and we are so proud to be able to offer this SLP and National Therapeutic Excellence Committee approved program at no cost to our participants. LMNOP is a drop-in program. Register here for the days that will work for you, and we’ll see you at the Playhouse!