Celebrate reading and literacy!

While March is almost over, we wanted to share that March is National Reading Month in honor of Dr. Seuss’s Birthday! What a great reason to celebrate our amazing literacy program!

The GiGi’s Playhouse 1:1 Literacy Tutoring Program uses a methodology with documented success based on research by professionals in the field. The ability to read opens doors for individuals with Down syndrome in the workplace, schools, and the community.  Developing reading skills also improves speech and language development, auditory perceptual skills, and working memory function.  Our goal is to foster a love for reading and provide an opportunity to develop and master skills, all while building a positive relationship with our volunteer tutors.  Trained tutors work at the child’s level, continually challenging and encouraging him/her to reach their Best of All.  Students can start in our program as early as age 3 or any year after that. It’s never too late to start!  Weekly lessons last 45-60 minutes for 10-15 weeks.  Family members are encouraged to attend each tutoring session to leave with practical activities to continue the learning at home.  

Learn more about GiGi’s Literacy Tutoring Program HERE!

This program goes beyond sitting down with a book! The One-on-One Literacy Tutoring Program is not just about teaching individuals how to read; it’s about empowering them to dream, to aspire, and to reach for the stars. It’s about fostering a community where every individual, regardless of their abilities, is celebrated for the unique gifts they bring to the table. Many times the tutor and student are not even at a table!! Tutors are provided training and are given a framework to work from, but they also think outside the box and bring in their participant’s interests to create meaningful and relevant lessons. 

Tutors and students can be seen:

• hunting for sight words around the playhouse
• playing snowball fight with words on crumpled-up paper
• sticking post-it notes on parents when words are read correctly
• cooking in the kitchen (reading the recipe)
• lining letters or words up on the floor
• stacking cups to create words or practice letter sounds
• decorating a birthday cake
• digging for words or letters in sensory bins

Our tutors make each session personalized and entertaining for the participant.

Keeping students engaged is key!

We are blessed with many great volunteer tutors but always welcome more! All training is provided and most of our tutors come to us with little to no experience.

Tutor Applications are now open for our Summer Session. Sign up TODAY!

Student applications open April 21st. All applications close May 13th.