Building Confidence Through Numbers: Blair’s Journey with GiGi’s Virtual Tutoring 

When Sarah first heard about GiGi’s Playhouse, her daughter Blair was just two years old. At the time, Blair was too young to join, but Sarah learned that once Blair turned three, she could begin GiGi’s Literacy and Math Tutoring Programs. That milestone became something Sarah and her family looked forward to. 

Because they live in a rural area without a Playhouse nearby, in-person tutoring wasn’t an option. Online learning was the only way forward. At first, Sarah worried that might be limiting, but it quickly became clear that it was exactly what Blair needed. 

“Virtual tutoring was our only option,” Sarah explains, “but it turned out to be the best option for us.” 

Doing Her Homework 

While waiting for Blair to turn three, Sarah started researching GiGi’s tutoring programs. Like many parents, she wanted to make sure this was something that would last—not just a passing trend. 

What she found reassured her. Every program at GiGi’s Playhouse is built on proven strategies and backed by research from experts in the field of Down syndrome education. 

“I wanted to make sure it wasn’t just a gimmick,” Sarah says. “But I learned that everything at GiGi’s is based on research. They know strategies and activities that actually work with our kids.” 

That knowledge gave Sarah peace of mind. She wasn’t just signing Blair up for something fun—she was giving her daughter real tools to grow. 

Setting High Expectations 

One of the things Sarah loves most about GiGi’s is how it’s helped her set expectations for Blair and advocate at school. Each year, when Blair has a new teacher, Sarah brings GiGi’s one-page resources to share. These resources give teachers more strategies to support Blair—and sometimes even help other students, too. 

And Sarah always sends a message along with them: 

“I tell teachers every year, I have high expectations for Blair. You need to hold her accountable, too. Challenge her, and she will rise to the occasion.” 

With the right visual supports and extra practice, Blair has been able to stay at or close to the same level as her classmates. For Sarah, this is one of the biggest wins: Blair is not just learning, she’s learning right alongside her peers. 

Growing Through the Programs 

Blair’s journey began with LMNOP, GiGi’s early learning program, where she learned jingles for single-sound consonants. Later, when she began Literacy Tutoring, she lit up when she realized those same songs were part of her new learning. 

After a year in Literacy, Blair began alternating between Literacy and Math Tutoring. This year, she’s focusing just on math—and thriving. 

She started with Numicons, hands-on tools that show what numbers represent. Then she added TouchMath cards, which use touchpoints to connect numbers with amounts. Now, she’s combining these tools to practice addition, growing more confident each week. 

For Sarah, it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about watching her daughter gain confidence and independence in learning. 

Pride and Progress 

Blair’s entire family beams with pride at what she’s accomplishing. Her siblings cheer her on, her teachers recognize her determination, and Sarah continues to be amazed at how Blair rises to challenges. 

Most importantly, Blair herself feels proud. She’s not just keeping up—she’s thriving, building friendships at school, and showing everyone around her what’s possible. 

Looking to the Future 

For Sarah, GiGi’s programs are more than tutoring sessions. They’re a foundation, a support system, and a source of hope. 

“GiGi’s programs start with our itty bitties and continue all the way through adulthood,” Sarah says. “That foundation has made all the difference for Blair.” 

And Blair’s journey is only just beginning. 

Every child deserves the chance to succeed—no matter where they live. GiGi’s Online 1:1 Tutoring makes that possible, giving families research-based tools and kids like Blair the confidence to rise to every challenge. 

You can help more kids like Blair thrive. Sign your child up for tutoring or become a volunteer tutor today!