Literacy Program

Why Wait?
Let's Get Started Together
Contact Colleen at GiGi's Playhouse (847)885-PLAY

We offer free tutoring to individuals with Down syndrome.

The literacy program 

• Offers free tutoring to individuals with Down syndrome
• Creates custom flashcards and books to meet individual needs
• Offers individual parent and teacher consultations
• Hosts open house for parents, teachers, therapists, and aides to show the positive affects of this program
• Offers email tutoring and phone conferencing

About our Program: The "Learn to Read" Literacy Program at GiGi's Playhouse is based on the methods presented by Patricia Oelwein. Patricia Oelwein is an expert in the field of teaching children with Down syndrome and is the author of Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Teachers. A copy of this book is available for teachers, free of charge, compliments of the UPS for DownS Katie MacDonald Literacy Project. To learn more about UPS for DownS and the Katie MacDonald Literacy Project click on www.upsfordowns.com.

The "Learn to Read" Literacy Program embraces the teachings of Sue Buckley and the Down Syndrome Educational Trust based in the United Kingdom. For more information about the Down Syndrome Educational Trust, click on www.downsed.org or you can visit GiGi's Playhouse and review a printed publication of Down Syndrome Issues and Information.

The "Learn to Read" Literacy Program also uses principles found in Susan People's book Understanding How Children with Down Syndrome Learn: Proven and Effective Techniques for Parents and Professionals. For more information about Ms. Peoples and her teaching visit www.specialoffspring.com.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Any students who would like to gain experience teaching reading or organizations who are interested in possible volunteer opportunities, please contact Colleen at cchahine@gigisplayhouse.org