March 2021 Activities
Local Programs
GiGi’s is continuing to offer virtual group programs locally and hopes to transition limited in-person opportunities soon. We’re following CDC guidelines and taking all precautions necessary to keep our friends and families safe. We encourage you to attend a program virtually!
Hybrid – Family Speaker Series: Importance of Play
Thursday, March 18th, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Join our Occupational Therapy Intern, Paige, for a conversation about play! We will cover topics such as how to guide your loved ones’ play in a purposeful way, as well as modifying toys and the environment to meet their needs. Held at the Playhouse and virtually too!
Limited in-person RSVPs accepted.
If you chose to join us here at the Playhouse: masks must be worn at all times, and social distancing will be implemented. A COVID-19 questionnaire will need to be completed at the entrance of the Playhouse and temperatures taken. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Click here to RSVP for Thursday, March 18th from 5:30 -6:30 PM!
Virtual Dance (5-12 years)
6-week session begins March 20th
This program introduces different dance styles, techniques, and movements! Encouraging movement through fun and interactive dance moves and routines.
The goals of this program include:
- Improve gross motor skills
- Increase mental and muscle memory
- Increase cardiovascular conditions, strength, flexibility, and coordination
At-Home-Kits will be provided.
Individual participants will have an opportunity to join us in-person on a Saturday of their choosing.
RSVP for Dance closes on March 10th, 2021.
See it on our calendar HERE!
Virtual GiGi’s Kitchen Teen & Adult
GiGi’s Kitchen begins Tuesday, March 9th, and will continue till April 27th.
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, palette expansion, and nutrition. Participants will be introduced to various cooking techniques. GiGi’s Kitchen program will build participants’ self-esteem and self-confidence through nutrition and wellness! GiGi’s Kitchen Teen & Adult is recommended for ages 13-18+.
Applications are closed!
Visit our calendar here to read more about GiGi’s Kitchen and all the other amazing programs offered!
Virtual 2 and Under
Saturday, March 13th from 8:30 -9:30 am
2 and Under is the perfect place for children to meet new friends, learn and grow; while parents have the opportunity to socialize and network with one another!
Special guest joining us to talk about making play with infants and toddlers purposeful!
2 and Under goals include:
- Increase positive social interactions among peers and siblings.
- Provide a positive setting for parents to share experiences and learn from each other.
- Provide ongoing support and networking for new and current families.
In addition, the family will receive a Best of All book to build knowledge and:
- Understand the purposeful progression of skills in children ages birth through three.
- Implement activities at home to build skills and increase language development.
Click here to RSVP for Saturday, March 13th, from 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM!
Virtual LMNOP (Language, Music N’ Our Peeps (0-3 years)
Saturday, March 13th 9:30 – 10:30 am
LMNOP is an interactive and engaging program designed to guide parents and young children through learning basic sign language and other forms of communication using music and language-based activities. We recommend this program for ages birth-3 years. This program is led by certified Music Therapist Ms. Misty with Quad City Music Therapy.
We’ll be singing and signing about favorites! Favorite book, snack, and more!
Click here to RSVP for Saturday, March 13th, from 9:30 AM- 10:30 AM!
Virtual Teen Tastic
Friday, March 5th (6-8 pm) – Go green with us! Green snacks, crafts, and more.
Take-home kits provided!
Sunday, March 21st (3-5 pm) – Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with us!
Celebration kits provided!
This group promotes friendship, social interactions, communication through a variety of social activities, outings, and games for teens. Recommended for all teens ages 13-17. Participants in Teen Tastic gain confidence, leadership skills, and empowerment while working as part of a team or on individual projects and tasks. If you, or your child, are looking for opportunities to socialize, practice your leadership skills, and be a part of amazing creative projects, then Teen Tastic is the right group for you!
Teen Tastic supports the therapeutic-based development of individuals with Down syndrome. Our goals include achieving the following:
- social skills increase, with a focus on group participation and increasing leisure activity options.
- language development increase, with a focus on appropriateness, maintaining conversation, and non-verbal social language.
- Increase gross motor skills, with a focus on general health, fitness (strength and balance), and awareness of personal space.
- Increase fine motor skills & self-help skills through participation in various activities.
RSVPs are required.
Click here to RSVP for Friday, March 5th from 6-8 PM!
Click here to RSVP for Sunday, March 21st from 3-5 PM!
Virtual Fantastic Friends
Friday, March 5th (6-8 pm) – Go green with us! Green snacks, crafts, and more.
Take-home kits provided!
Sunday, March 21st (3-5 pm) – Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with us!
Celebration kits provided!
Fantastic Friends is an interactive and engaging program recommended for adults ages 18 and up. This program is built to include adults with Down syndrome and those without Down syndrome. We support the development of social skills and language through peer-to-peer interaction in a casual and fun setting. Adult participants participate in the planning of activities so that everything the group does is based on interests. During Fantastic Friends, the group may explore their local community by participating in outings and events. This program may also support gross motor skills through active games.
Fantastic Friends supports therapeutic-based development of individuals with Down syndrome, with goals of achieving the following:
- Increase social skills, with a focus on group participation and increasing leisure activity options.
- Increase language development, with a focus on appropriateness, maintaining conversation, and non-verbal social language.
- Increase gross motor skills, with a focus on general health, fitness (strength and balance), and awareness of personal space.
In addition, the family will receive a Best of All book to build knowledge and:
- Understand the purpose behind all of GiGi’s Playhouse programs.
- Implement activities at home to build skills and increase language development
RSVPs are required.
Click here to RSVP for Friday, March 5th from 6-8 PM!
Click here to RSVP for Sunday, March 21st from 3-5 PM!
One-on-One Programs
Spring 2021 Tutoring & Speech Has Begun!
The spring session began on January 31, 2021, and is 15 weeks long.
Applications for the summer session will open in late April. Tutoring and speech like all programs at GiGi’s are FREE!
See additional information about these purposeful programs by clicking below!
Volunteer at GiGi’s
Virtual New Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, March 6th, from 8-9 am
GiGi’s is a volunteer-run organization. New volunteers must attend an orientation to learn more about GiGi’s, Down syndrome, and the volunteer process. Come learn about all of the GiGi’s Playhouse programs and events and how you can get involved.
With over 3,900 volunteer hours at GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities in 2019, we cannot do what we do without our amazing volunteers and we make training a priority!
If you have not completed the Volunteer Interest Form via our website yet, please do so prior to attending the orientation.
Click here to RSVP for Saturday, March 6th, from 8-9 AM!
GiGi’s At Home Programs
GiGi’s at Home offers live virtual programs and programs on demand with participants from around the world!
Yes, around the WORLD!
Click HERE to explore the site and view current program offerings.
GiGi’s at Home On Demand is our way of bringing 150+ purposeful programs to you at a time that is convenient for you. You will have access to program recordings, lesson plans, and activities to use when you are ready.
GiGi’s at Home Live is our way of bringing 28+ purposeful programs to you every week at a specific time. This allows you to interact with our volunteer program leaders and fellow participants engaging in purposeful activities designed for your loved one’s age group.
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