training
Program Highlight: GiGi Kitchen
GiGi’s Kitchen is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities, and a shared meal/snack. Participants will learn about and progress through skills including measurements, food handling, knife skills, ingredient identification, palette expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques and will…
Read MoreCody shows his Best of All!
Cody shows his Best of All! As it was the last session (of the summer and) we ended up being the only ones there, but it was OK. Cody loved it. He really connected with Ryan (GiGiFIT Kids Program Leader). This was Cody’s first time doing GiGiFIT. I wasn’t sure if this was going to be…
Read MoreProgram Highlight: Book Club
Did you know that participants in Book Club are a part of our Literacy Tutoring program? Book Club follows the GiGi’s tutoring program guide and supports participants as they interact with peers and develop a love for reading along with other literacy skills. Throughout the session, the group will read a chapter book to increase comprehension…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Morgan and Zeki of GiGi Prep
Morgan – Program Leader My name is Morgan Precour! I am a 2nd-year student at Mount Mary University where I plan to graduate in December 2021 with my master’s in occupational therapy! I grew up in Elm Grove, WI and I earned my undergrad at UW-Madison (Go Badgers!) before coming back to the Milwaukee area. I first learned about…
Read MoreMonty shows his Best of All!
Monty has been having a great time at Leaps and Bounds over the last few weeks! He has demonstrated his Best of All skills while working on his finger and hand strength in playing with play-doh. This increased strength will help him to manipulate objects and learn to coordinate his muscles/movements to write. Monty had…
Read MoreProgram Spotlight: GiGi Prep an adult OT and life skills program
GiGi Prep with Mount Mary University OT This NEW program will be led by Master’s students from Mt. Mary’s Occupational Therapy (OT) program under the supervision of a licensed professor. Participants (ages 18 and older) will apply for this specialty program. Together they will work on their communication skills to become self-advocates and Playhouse Ambassadors. Participants will develop skills…
Read MoreVolunteer Spotlight: Holly
Hi, my name Holly and I am an intern for GiGi’s Playhouse Milwaukee. I am a senior at Alverno College studying health education. I was so excited when I heard about GiGi’s Playhouse and that I could be a part of it! I started my internship this spring amidst the COVID shutdown. Although I have not been able to…
Read MoreProgram Highlight – Volunteer Orientation At Home (virtual)
At VIRTUAL Volunteer Orientation, you will learn best practices in supporting children and adults with Down syndrome as well as learn about the programs offered at GiGi’s Playhouse and how you can be a part of this amazing community. Orientation lasts approximately 45-60 minutes. Download Microsoft Teams, you will be asked to join our Volunteering…
Read MoreProgram Highlight – LMNOP supports our littlest learners and their families
LMNOP (Language, Music ‘N Our Peeps) LMNOP is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication using music and language-based activities. Our Program Leader Melissa has a passion for helping others and is a sign language interpreter at UW-Milwaukee. GiGi’s Playhouse…
Read MoreBest of All – Najebah!
Najebah enjoys attending many of our programs and we love that she is able to join in so often on our virtual programs. Najebah is a kind and caring friend who is ready to share and connect with other participants. This week she demonstrated her Best Of All while gathering all the supplies needed, following along with the…
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