Registration for Fall 1:1 Tutoring and Group Programs in Brentwood is Now Open!
July 21, 2024
Registration for our FREE therapeutic-based and educational programming in Brentwood this fall is open! We’d love to have you join us as a participant or volunteer.
The fall semester begins on August 26th, and wraps up on December 13th. There will be no programs or tutoring sessions Monday 9/2, Fall Break 10/7-10/12, and Thanksgiving Break 11/25-11/30. Further information on exact offerings and dates is listed below.
One-on-One Educational Tutoring
Tutoring sessions are scheduled to take place betweenMonday, August 26 and Friday, December 13.
Our Tutoring Coordinator, Tracie, will work with each student and tutor pair to schedule a weekly tutoring session. We currently offer tutoring for:
Create OR log-in to your My GiGi’s account. Click here for more information.
To register for a program, click on the desired session on our website calendar and click the Register button. If you are registering for a weekly program, the system will automatically register you for all sessions!
You can also register for a program by clicking the program name in this blog post! It will automatically open the shift from our calendar for you to click “register.”
If you have any technical issues or additional questions, feel free to email our Programs Manager, Emily, at esheridan@gigisplayhouse.org
Recommended for ages 0-5: Language Music N‘ Our Peeps is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication while using music and language-based activities. LMNOP will take place on the following Saturday mornings from 10:00-11:00 am: 8/31, 9/14, 10/5, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, and 12/7.
Recommended for ages 0-5: Join us for an engaging and interactive story time designed to spark creativity and learning! This program combines captivating storytelling with hands-on activities that enhance both gross and fine motor skills. Children will explore literacy through group and independent play, while also developing social skills and language abilities, such as learning new words and following directions.
Families and caregivers—dads, grandfathers, uncles, moms, grandmothers, aunts, and siblings—are all invited to participate. This program offers a fun and active environment where caregivers can connect with one another, receive support, and learn about GiGi’s Playhouse philosophy and community involvement.
Story Telling: Tales & Togetherness will take place on the following Wednesday mornings from 10:00-11:00 am: 8/28, 9/11, 9/25, 10/16, 10/30, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4.
Recommended for ages 9-12, formerly known as Music in Motion: Led by our friends in the Music Therapy Department at Belmont University, Music Makers builds self-confidence while strengthening social, communication, and motor skills through therapeutic use of music and dance. Music Makers will take place on Thursdays from 5:00-6:00 pm. Program dates: 8/29, 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12.
(Recommended for 5-8 Year Olds) blends storytelling with culinary fun. Participants will dive into an exciting story and then get creative in the kitchen. We encourage parents, caregivers, and siblings to join in, fostering connection and quality time together. Kids will learn essential kitchen safety and snack prep skills through lively activities and games. This vibrant program sparks a love for reading, cooking, and social interaction, creating unforgettable experiences and lasting friendships.
GiGi’s Kitchen: Kids (5-8 years) will take place on the following Saturday mornings from 11:15-12:15: 8/31, 9/14, 9/28, 10/5, 10/19, 11/2, 11/16, 12/7
(Recommended for 9-12 year olds) is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities, and a shared meal/snack.
Under the guidance of program leaders, participants will learn about and progress through skills including measurements, food handling, knife skills, ingredient identification, palate expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques. The GiGi’s Kitchen program will build participants’ self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness!
GiGi’s Kitchen: Kids (9-12 years) will take place on Wednesdays from 4:45-5:45. Program dates: 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11
Recommended for ages 13-17: Focuses on building social skills with friends with and without Down syndrome by participating in team-based activities in a casual and fun setting. Skill development includes understanding compromise, turn-taking, and problem-solving abilities. Teen Tastic will take place on Tuesdays from 5:00-6:15 pm. Program dates: 8/27, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10.
(Recommended for ages 13-17)is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities, and a shared meal/snack. Under the guidance of program leaders, participants will learn about and progress through skills including measurements, food handling, knife skills, ingredient identification, palate expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques. The GiGi’s Kitchen program will build participants’ self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness!
GiGi’s Kitchen: Teens will meet on Mondays from 6:30-8:00 pm. Program dates: 8/26, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9.
Recommended for ages 13+: Helps your child develop healthy habits for a lifetime of wellness and happiness. Yoga gives children a practice and routine that integrates physical, mental, and emotional development. Yoga programs will help your child develop more personal awareness and learn specific strategies to maintain focus and manage their emotions and impulses. Yoga will take place on Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm. Program dates: 8/29, 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 12/12.
Recommended for ages 13+: SHiNE Dance Fitness™ brings original routines to life using hit music and choreography for all abilities. Rooted in jazz, ballet, and hip-hop, this workout gives you a creative outlet with the perfect balance of cardio and. SHiNE is a mood-lifting experience that leaves you feeling capable, confident, and connected. SHiNE will take place on the following Mondays from 5:00-6:00 pm: 8/26, 9/9, 9/23, 10/14, 10/28, 11/4, 11/19, and 12/2.
Recommended for ages 16+: Our CrossFit program promotes physical fitness and facilitates social interaction and positive peer relationships through purposeful physical activities for adolescents and adults. Our amazing volunteer Program Leaders pair participants from GiGi’s with volunteer fitness buddies to complete group workouts together. Fitness activities include squats, sit-ups, deadlifts, step-ups, burpees, push-ups, lunges, and more! CrossFit will take place on the following Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 pm: 9/26, 10/10, 10/24, 11/7, 11/21, and 12/5.
Please note: Friends, Fun, & Fitness: CrossFit meets at the “CrossFit Breakthrough” gym in West Nashville (5402 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209).
Participants must be 18+: This program empowers adults with Down syndrome through purposeful activities to ensure continued learning and fulfillment of life.
GiGi’s Achievers teaches and promotes communication, self-awareness, independence, health, and wellness through community engagement. Each lesson will provide participants with hands-on learning experiences in a naturally occurring environment. GiGi’s Achievers will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30-1:30 pm. This program and its content are heavily influenced by the feedback and input received from families and participants within our local community. Our aim is to ensure we are addressing the needs of adults with Down syndrome and assisting them in achieving their individual goals.
We can only accept 6 participants into this Adult Education program. Once 6 adults have registered, other participants who register will be added to a waitlist on a first come first serve basis. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Denise at dbayles@gigisplayhouse.org or Emily at esheridan@gigisplayhouse.org.
Participants must be 18+: Our GiGi Prep program has an emphasis on building communication skills, money management, customer service skills, team building and wellness. This program is an application-based program with high expectations to motivate adults with Down syndrome. Please complete theGiGi Prep Application and email it to Emily at esheridan@gigisplayhouse.org
GiGi Prep will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30-3:30 pm. This program and its content are heavily influenced by the feedback and input received from families and participants within our local community. Our aim is to ensure we are addressing the needs of adults with Ds and assisting them in achieving their individual goals.
We can only accept 6 participants into this Adult Education program. Once 6 adults have registered, other participants who register will be added to a waitlist on a first come first serve basis. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Denise at dbayles@gigisplayhouse.org or Emily at esheridan@gigisplayhouse.org.
Recommended for ages 18+: A fun, purposeful, and social gathering for adults with Down syndrome, their peers and the community. Supports the development of social skills and language through peer-to-peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. Fantastic Friends will take place on the following Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 pm: 8/28, 9/4, 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11.
(Recommended for ages 18+)is designed to emphasize the importance of health and wellness through nutrition education, kitchen safety, food preparation, social activities, and a shared meal/snack. Under the guidance of program leaders, participants will learn about and progress through skills including measurements, food handling, knife skills, ingredient identification, palate expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques. The GiGi’s Kitchen program will build participants’ self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness! GiGi’s Kitchen: Adults will meet on the following Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm: 8/27, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10.
We are thrilled you are interested in volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville! Here are the different ways you can get involved:
Program Leader: The Program Leader plays an integral role within GiGi’s Playhouse Programs – to facilitate skill development activities and connect with families. It is preferred that the Program Leader has advanced education and/or training in the program subject, such as developmental therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy, social work, special education, speech-language therapy, music, dance, art, or a related field.
I love seeing the same participants every time and building relationships with them. The way their eyes light up when they see me really warms my heart.
– Rachel, GiGI’s Nash Volunteer
Program Volunteers: This person will assist the program lead, and the number of volunteers depends on the size and type of program. Program volunteers just need a general knowledge of Down syndrome (which you can gain at the volunteer orientation)!
Literacy and Math Tutors: This is an exciting opportunity to help those with Down syndrome learn to read or do math! The time commitment per week is 1 hour plus prep time. We ask our tutors to commit to a 10-week session. You will work with Tracie and the family of the child you are tutoring to determine when you will meet for your session each week. For more information about literacy tutoring, click here. For more information on math tutoring, click here.
Host Family: The Host Family attends programs to support new families, assist others with check-in/check-out, and make all feel welcome at GiGi’s. Please reach out to our Program Coordinator if you are interested in being a Host Family!
For any questions about Fall 2024 Programs or the registration process please email:
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