Literacy Changes Everything: How GiGi’s Playhouse Builds Lifelong Skills

On a regular day, seven-year-old Sebbie told his mom he would read a story to her. Surprised, Nykole, Sebbie’s mom, joyfully sat down and listened to her son read!  Something he had never done before he attended 1:1 tutoring at GiGi’s Playhouse.

When Nykole met Ann, Sebbie’s tutor, Nykole asked, Ann if she thought Sebbie could be reading at his age even though he had Down syndrome, Ann emphatically said, “Yes!” This started a ripple effect; Ann modeled techniques Nykole used at home and then Nykole shared these with Sebbie’s school, increasing his success everywhere. Nykole reports she sees confidence in her son that wasn’t there before. In addition to reading, he has gone from communicating with a few words at a time, to complete sentences!

When Nykole was asked what she would say to a family considering coming to GiGi’s? She immediately replied, “Absolutely go! Sebbie loves GiGi’s Playhouse!” In addition to tutoring he attends GiGiFIT, where his peers mentor him. Sebbie watches the other kids like him and is empowered to succeed.

You can make a difference! Interested in volunteering with GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse? Fill out the volunteer interest form on our website and someone from the Playhouse will be in touch. You won’t regret it!