We have many families that are starting the potty training process and we thought this might be a helpful piece of information. Click on the link below.
Everyone’s Shoes Can Be Filled
I’ve been part of Rockford, Illinois’ GiGi’s Playhouse board before it was even a board. Six years ago we were a group of parents, grandparents, and community members sitting around a table who all had one thing in common–a desire to help a loved one with Down syndrome. Looking back, it seems much longer than… Continue Reading
GiGi U is making an impact
Our GiGi U program has been running strong for one year. Erin Hickman, our GiGi U Coordinator, has been working hard to insure that our students are growing and getting ready for the “real” world. Enjoy a writing from one of our GiGi U students, Dylan. “My name is Dylan Miller. I have been in… Continue Reading
Celebrating Generation G
“i have a Voice” Gala-March 18, 2017 With the launch of #generationG on 3/21.16 (World Down Syndrome Day) by our national office, we embarked on a campaign which helped us communicate better what our mission at GiGi’s is all about. It is more than a campaign, it is a mindset. Our goal is to encourage… Continue Reading
I’m home!!!
This is about Gerry, who had Math and Literacy tutoring sessions back to back at the Playhouse. This is what Gerry’s mom wrote on the tutoring evaluation forms. Gerry has improved enormously in this tutoring session! He can count independently up to 40. His recognition of the numbers 1-20 is nearly perfect. Concrete understanding of… Continue Reading
GiGi’s and My Community
I love wearing anything with GiGi’s name on it and people always stop me to ask if I work there. Yesterday, while voting, one of the volunteers asked me how I knew about GiGi’s. When I told her I worked there, she told me she knows one of our families and loves what GiGi’s is… Continue Reading
A Few Words from a GiGi’s Mom
When Kendall was unexpectedly born with Down syndrome, saying we were lost would be an understatement. The hospital was of very little help to us during our time of questions, fear, and anxiety. Thank goodness we were introduced to another local GiGi’s mom (Julie Gustafson) by phone before we even left the hospital. We soon… Continue Reading
Five Instructional Strategies for Children with Down syndrome
Children with Down syndrome are capable learners who are excited and eager to learn. They just need to be given the opportunity to excel. They may learn at a slower pace, but are more than capable of learning. They are strong visual learners. This means that they understand what they see better than what they… Continue Reading
Penny’s Blog
5 1/2 years! Time sure flies when you are having fun! So many memories…long journey…still a long way to go…day by day. So much unknown but I am loving this GiGi’s journey. If I had to pick one memory so far from the Playhouse, it would be the memory of our very fist Friday Friends… Continue Reading
International Exchange students are introduced to GiGi’s
Speaking from personal experience, I can say it is a great to host an international exchange student. I have had five students live with my family from any where from 4 months to 1.5 years. You learn so much from having them living in your home. I never new that I would have life long… Continue Reading