One-on-One Literacy Tutoring

Program Overview

GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center's mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. The GiGi's Playhouse Literacy Program uses a methodology with documented success based on the research of professionals in the field. Trained tutors work at the level of the child, continually challenging and encouraging them utilizing custom flashcards and books as well as computer resources and games. This literacy education includes not only direct instruction with the child, but educating their parents, teachers and other therapists as well.

Benefits:

• Increased self-esteem

• Increased confidence

• Fine motor development

• Dispelled stereotypes and misconceptions

• Greater inclusion in general education classrooms

• More active role in schools and community

• Broader communication and speech abilities

• Greater social interaction and friendships

• Articulation development

Multi-Disciplinary Resources - The GiGi's Literacy program incorporates a plethora of resources for teaching reading skills including; computer games, pocket word charts, phonics and alphabet resources, manipulatives and more.

Lifestage Relevancy - Books and reading material are specific to the life-stage of the student. Whether it be a favorite television character for a toddler, a specific subject in the classroom, or a job-related topic, each book is created with relevant information to the student.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

Julio has been a literacy student with our program since February 2022. Julio and his family are bilingual with English being their second language. Julio also uses an AAC device to communicate, although he also has come a long way with using his voice during his tutoring sessions too. Julio is an incredible artist, and he and his tutor, Shelly, have forged an amazing relationship by creating their very own personal books each session. Julio loves to draw, so he illustrates his own pictures for the book and helps Shelly come up with a story to be written on the pages.

Julio's Best of All Moment during our Summer 2022 session was at the end of one of his tutoring sessions, he was able to read one of his books to the 7 individuals that were at the Playhouse. Julio was so proud to be able to share his masterpiece with so many people. He is such an amazing author, illustrator and reader!