Registration for Summer 1:1 Tutoring and Group Programs in Brentwood is Now Open!
Registration for our FREE therapeutic and educational programming in Brentwood this summer is open! We’d love to have you join us as a participant or volunteer.
The summer semester begins on Monday, June 3rd, and wraps up on Saturday, July 27th. There will be no programs or tutoring sessions Thursday, July 4th through Sunday, July 7th in observance of Independence Day. Further information on exact offerings and dates is listed below.
One-on-One Educational Tutoring
Tutoring sessions are scheduled to take place between June 3rd and July 27th.
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 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. We have extended LMNOP by 30 min for our Summer semester to allow for more parent and family socialization! The first 45 min will be traditional LMNOP programming, and the remaining 45 min will encourage participants to explore obstacle courses and sensory activities with volunteers while parents and family members get to socialize! LMNOP will take place on the following Saturday mornings from 10:00-11:30 am: 6/15, 6/29, 7/13, and 7/27.
Recommended for ages 5-8: 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 Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 pm: 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, and 7/24.
Recommended for ages 9-12: Each week, Kitchen: Kids participants will dive into a captivating story, share their thoughts and ideas, and unleash culinary creativity. From kitchen safety to healthy meal prep, participants will craft delicious snacks inspired by our readings while also enjoying hands-on crafting sessions. This dynamic program fosters a love for books, cooking, and social interaction in a fun and supportive environment, creating unforgettable experiences and lasting friendships. GiGi’s Kitchen: Kids will take place on Tuesdays from 5:00-6:00 pm: 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, and 7/23.
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 6:00-7:00 pm. Program dates: 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, and 7/23.
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: 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, and 7/8.
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: 6/6, 6/20, 7/11, and 7/25.
Friends, Fun & Fitness: Teen& Adult– CrossFit@ Brentwood Playhouse
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: 6/13, and 7/18.
PLEASE NOTE: This summer, our CrossFit program is meeting for an exclusive TWO sessions at the Playhouse in Brentwood. If you’ve been curious about our famed CrossFit program in West Nashville, this is the perfect opportunity to experience it firsthand and determine if it’s the right FIT for you!
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: 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, and 7/24.
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. 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 will meet on Mondays from 6:00-7:30 pm. This summer, our Kitchen programs in June (6/3, 6/10, 6/17, and 6/24) will be for Adults ages 18+ and our programs in July (7/1, 7/8, 7/15, and 7/22) will be for Teens ages 13-17.
Varying age groups: We are working with our friends from Empower Music Therapy to offer pop-up programs throughout the Summer semester. Keep an eye out on social media, your email, and the Remind app for updates about program dates and information!
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)!
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 Summer 2024 Programs or the registration process please email:
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