Importance of early development and socialization

During the the first years of a child’s life, he or she goes through their most significant developmental changes. “…[T]hey achieve the basic physical, cognitive, language, social and self-help skills that lay the foundation for future progress, and these abilities are attained according to predictable developmental patterns. Children with Down syndrome typically experience delays in…

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teaching sensory play

What is ‘sensory play’? Sensory play, which can also be referred to as “messy play,” is simply play that encourages children to use one or more of their senses, including sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, balance and movement.  Sensory play appeals to children of all ages and is full of opportunities for language enrichment. Some…

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Reading and Down Syndrome–A Case Study

Reading is a vital life skill where doors, otherwise closed, will open up for individuals with Down syndrome in the workplace, schools and the community. Developing reading skills leads to improvements in speech and language development, auditory perceptual skills and working memory function. Meet Lexi: GiGi’s Playhouse participant, age 17. Lexi has been attending GiGi’s…

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A Note from the President…Welcome New Board Members!

One of my most favorite things about GiGi’s Playhouse is the people that I am able to interact with – the volunteers, donors, community members, participants and site coordinators too! I am honored to have accepted the role as President and look forward to gaining an intimate knowledge of all things GiGi’s! As summer is…

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