Best of All: Teddy Erickson- Finding Meaning, Music, and Confidence Through Tutoring

At GiGi’s Playhouse Wausau, “Best of All “ isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, persistence, joy, and those powerful moments when someone discovers,“I can do this.” We are overjoyed to celebrate Teddy Erickson, whose tutoring work reminds us all that learning doesn’t have to follow a script—it just has to be meaningful.

Teddy brings heart, creativity, and authenticity into every tutoring session. From the start, it’s clear that Teddy understands something deeply important: learning is personal. What works beautifully for one student may not work at all for another—and that’s not only okay, it’s something to be celebrated. Teddy doesn’t focus on how learning is supposed to look; instead, Teddy focuses on whether it makes sense to him.

Sometimes that learning looks structured and quiet. Other times, it looks energetic, playful, or completely outside the box.

And sometimes… it sounds like singing.

There have been moments during tutoring when Teddy recognizes that spoken instructions and responses aren’t quite landing, or a concept just hasn’t clicked yet. Rather than forcing it, Teddy pivots—turning words into rhythm, steps into melody, and information into a song. Suddenly, what felt confusing becomes memorable. What felt overwhelming becomes approachable. Music transforms learning into something engaging, joyful, and accessible.

Teddy’s tutor Jeff’s flexibility is what makes Teddy’s tutoring so impactful. Jeff instinctively understands that learning through song isn’t a distraction from the goal—it is the pathway to it. Melody can support memory. Rhythm can build focus. And singing can help concepts stick long after the session ends. Most importantly, it meets the student where they are and honors how they learn best.

Each tutoring session with Teddy is built on trust and respect. There’s no pressure to rush or “get it right” immediately. Teddy is encouraged to explore, to try, to laugh, and yes—sometimes to sing his way through a challenge. Learning becomes something safe and even fun, instead of something stressful or intimidating.

That sense of safety is powerful.

We’ve seen students come into tutoring unsure of themselves—hesitant because past learning experiences didn’t always feel successful. As is the case with Teddy, those same students begin to take ownership of their learning. They ask questions. They show curiosity. They walk out taller than when they walked in. That confidence doesn’t happen by accident; it grows because our tutors create an environment where every effort is valued.

Jeff also understands that learning sticks best when it has purpose. Skills aren’t taught in isolation. Instead, they are connected to real life—things Teddy cares about and uses every day. Whether it’s reading something meaningful, understanding numbers in a practical way, or learning a life skill through repetition (or song!), singing helps Teddy see the “why” behind the work. When learning has purpose, motivation naturally follows.

We at the Playhouse, as well as parents and caregivers notice the impact as well. They see growth that extends beyond the Playhouse walls—confidence at home, independence in daily routines, and pride in new skills. They hear about tutoring sessions that didn’t just involve worksheets, but laughter, creativity, and music. That ripple effect is part of what makes GiGi’s Playhouse so special.

What truly sets Teddy’s tutoring apart is the ability to blend structure with flexibility, patience with encouragement, and learning with joy. At GiGi’s Playhouse our tutors embody the GiGi’s Playhouse belief that individuals with Down syndrome deserve high expectations paired with meaningful support. There is no single right way to learn—only the way that makes the most sense to the learner.

So today, our Best of All goes to Teddy Erickson—for reminding us that learning can happen in many forms. Sometimes it’s spoken. Sometimes it’s practiced. And sometimes, it’s sung from the heart. Thank you, Teddy, for bringing your creativity and confidence into every tutoring session and for showing that everyone has their own powerful ways of learning.

That is truly Best of All. 💛💙