Spring 2024 Program Registration is OPEN!
Registration for Spring 1:1 Tutoring and Group Programs in Brentwood is Now Open!
Registration for our FREE therapeutic and educational programming in Brentwood this spring is open! We’d love to have you join us as a participant or volunteer. Further information on exact offerings and dates is listed below.
One-on-One Educational Tutoring
Tutoring sessions are scheduled to take place between January 15th and April 20th.
Our Tutoring Coordinator, Tracie, will work with each student and tutor pair to schedule a weekly tutoring session. We currently offer tutoring for:
Click Here to Sign up as a Student or Tutor
Have any questions? Contact Tracie at tmichelson@gigisplayhouse.org.
Group Therapeutic and Educational Programs
Here are the steps to register as a participant:
- 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 Program Coordinator, 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: 1/20, 2/3, 2/17, 3/2, 3/23, and 4/13
Recommended for ages 3-5: This is a play-based program that focuses on success in preschool and kindergarten. Participants will engage in fun and motivating activities that provide opportunities for following routines, small group participation, movement, and interaction with their environment. Family members are key participants in this program and will encourage their child to reach his or her Best of All throughout each session. Leaps and Bounds will take place on the following Saturday mornings from 10:00-11:00 am: 1/27, 2/10, 2/24, 3/9, and 4/20.
Recommended for ages 4-9: Join us for arts, crafts, stretching, movement, singing, and dancing. This program is focused on fun and engaging activities that encourage children to explore the world around them. To make this group the best experience for your child, we ask that they are able to participate in play-based activities for at least 30 minutes. Parents are welcome to join us! Creative Exploration will take place on the following Saturdays from 11:30 am-12:30 pm: 2/3, 2/17, 3/2, 3/23, and 4/13.
Recommended for ages 4-8: An interactive and engaging program that supports the development of social skills and language through peer-to-peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program also supports gross motor skills through active games, as well as fine motor and self-help skills. Playhouse Pals will take place on Wednesdays from 4:45-5:45 pm. Program dates: 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/28, 3/6, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, and 4/17.
Recommended for ages 8-12: This program supports the development of social skills and language through peer-to-peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. This program will also support gross motor skills through active games and fine motor and self-help skills through meal/snack preparation and activities. Kids Club will take place on Mondays from 4:45-5:45 pm. Program dates: 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/4, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, and 4/15.
Recommended for ages 8-12, formerly known as Music in Motion
Led by our friends in the Music Therapy Department at Belmont University, Music in Motion builds self-confidence while strengthening social, communication, and motor skills through the therapeutic use of music and dance. Music Makers will take place on Thursdays from 4:45-5:45 pm. Program dates: 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, 4/11, and 4/18.
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 5:00-6:00 pm. Program dates: 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/5, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, and 4/16.
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 6:00-7:00 pm: 1/15, 1/29, 2/12, 2/26, 3/18, 4/1, and 4/15.
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- Teen & Adult will take place on the following Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm: 1/18, 2/1, 2/15, 2/29, 3/28, and 4/11.
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, rowing, push-ups, lunges, and more! CrossFit will take place on the following Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 pm: 2/8, 2/22, 3/7, 3/21, 4/4, and 4/18.
PLEASE NOTE: CrossFit meets at the “CrossFit Breakthrough” gym in West Nashville (5402 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209).
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 Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm. Program dates: 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, and 4/17.
Participants must be 18+ years old: This program empowers adults with Down syndrome through purposeful activities to ensure continued learning and fulfillment of life. This program 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 10:00-2:00 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 10 participants into this Adult Education program. Once 10 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.
Program dates: January: 16, 18, 23, 25, and 30; February: 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, and 29; March: 5, 7, 19, 21, 26, and 28; April: 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, and 18.
Recommended for ages 8-12: A special time for siblings to talk about the good and the sometimes not-so-good moments of having a sibling with Down syndrome. Led by child and family counselor, Jenny Matern, LMFT, RPT, participants will share, play games, and enjoy connecting with other siblings. This program is for youth with a brother/sister with Down syndrome and will meet once a month from 6:00-7:00 pm on the following Tuesdays: Jan. 23, Feb. 20, Mar. 19, and Apr. 16.
Empower Music Therapy Pop-Up Programs
Varying age groups: Our friends from Empower Music Therapy will offer pop-up programs throughout the Spring semester for each age group. Keep an eye out on social media, your email, and the Remind app for updates about program dates and information! These pop-ups will occur on Monday evenings from 6:00-7:00 pm.
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
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.
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)!
Click here to register as a program leader or volunteer.
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.
Click here to register as a tutor.
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 Spring 2024 Programs or the registration process please email:
Program Coordinator: Emily, esheridan@gigisplayhouse.org
Tutoring & Volunteer Coordinator: Tracie, tmichelson@gigisplayhouse.org
General Contact: nashville@gigisplayhouse.org
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