Authentic Montessori in Marblehead
Math at the Children's Workshop in Marblehead, a Montessori Preschool, uses physical objects to help demonstrate abstract concepts.
Art at the Children's Workshop in Marblehead, a Montessori school
Manipulatives are a big part of the Children's Workshop in Marblehead, a Montessori Preschool. Fine motor skill development is important.
Pouring water helps develop fine motor skills in the young child.
Advancing the development of the mathematical mind.
Using physical letters help with learning how to read in the Montessori method.
Supplies are neatly organized at the Children's Workshop in Marblehead. The Marblehead Preschool environment allows the children to learn freely.
It's Magical
All Our Teachers Are Montessori Trained
The Children’s Workshop is a private Montessori School committed to the concept of excellence in the child’s first educational experience. Our principal purpose is to develop an enthusiasm for learning and a sense of kindness toward other people while encouraging the children to develop personal initiative, independence of thought and the ability to make good choices and decisions.
“What are the characteristics of the normalized child? Love of work, concentration, self-discipline and sociability.”
Maria Montessori
The Magic of Our School
We approach the child with a sense of wonder. Who knows what greatness lies in each child and what each child is capable of becoming?
In our school, we create the best environment for the children. Their journey is developmental. It unfolds from them. They are becoming their best selves. Our job is to provide those materials and experiences that will help them to perfect themselves.
We call this the prepared environment. In it we place materials scientifically selected to demonstrate particular segments of knowledge. The materials must be beautiful, clean and whole. The environment must be rich in culture. The children are treated with respect and are, in turn, respectful to their classmates and teachers.
We create as harmonious a world as possible for the children. The world we create is peaceful and beautiful. There is congruence between the external world we create and the internal needs of the children.
Our children internalize that world and take it with them wherever they go.
A Sampling of Our Programs
Reading is one of the greatest gifts a school can give to a child.
Every child in our school learns to read and write.
Lessons of Grace & Courtesy
Our children are at the perfect age to learn manners, courtesy, thoughtfulness and respect.
Reading
Reading is about learning a code; it is not a guessing game.
Nurturing the Mathematical Mind
A systematic program of carefully developed and presented sequential math activities.
Writing
Writing is introduced in the second year.
Spanish
This 30-minute segment twice a week has created the most wonderful accents north of the border!
Geography
Each year we begin our study of the earth with a slightly different emphasis: people, animals, and biomes.
Science
Science is explored on a topical basis throughout the year.
History
Why are the old stories important? Why do we return to the people and events of our collective past? We are shaped by our past. If we don't know where we came from, we will make the same mistakes as we go forward.
Country Immersion
Each year we travel in our imaginations to a different country and bring the essence of the country to our children. Through songs, stories, food, dance, customs and language, we bring the country alive!
Biography
The study of the people who create history as they lead their sometimes ordinary and sometimes extraordinary lives, brings the past with all its attendant artifacts to life while presenting powerful and convincing evidence that courage pays, that it is the duty of the powerful to protect the weak and that we, by our own actions, can make the world a better place.
Holidays
Holidays at The Children’s Workshop are welcomed as an excellent opportunity to bring history into the cultural discussion.
Art
Beautiful materials, interesting ideas, learning to create in a non-judgmental place, what could be better for the developing mind?
Music
The children participate in a weekly music class. Children learn to recognize individual musical notes through explorations with the Montessori bells as well as participate in a weekly music and movement class with Miss Dara.
Composers
Learning about individual composers and listening to their music is a perennial favorite.
Masterpiece Paintings
Children are introduced to our greatest treasures of art.
Third Year Reading
Each child reads at their own level and has an individual or small group reading lesson every single day.
Third Year Writing and Spelling
By this year, their third, the children have already mastered the art of printing and so their writing is expanded to include spelling, and sentence and paragraph writing.
Third Year Mathematics
Sequential mathematic materials that become more and more abstract introduce our children to the operations of addition, multiplication, subtraction and division.
Journal Writing and Illustration
Third Year students create and write their own journal entries using literacy skills developed throughout their years at the Children's Workshop.
Afternoon Enrichment
We offer the following programs in the afternoon. There is a limited number of children per extended day with priority given to older children.
Musical Drama
Monday afternoons find our students immersed in the world of music and drama.
Odyssey Of The Mind
Tuesday afternoon class is devoted to activities that encourage students to take risks while problem solving. This program was created by Dr. Samuel Micklus at Rowan University to encourage his students to take risks while problem solving and has since been adapted to children at all grade levels.
Advanced Spanish
On Wednesday afternoons, students pursue fluency through conversation.
Art Through Literature
Thursday is our Art Through Literature class where a favorite picture book is read and then interpreted through a crafts project.
About the Children's Workshop
The school is open to children between the ages of 3 and 7. All children attend school 5 mornings a week. We are licensed to accept 31 children. We have 3 fully accredited Montessori teachers, 3 subject specialists and 1-2 assistant teachers.
The morning session runs from 8:30 to 12.00 each day. We also offer four elective extended afternoons until 2:00. Children bring their own lunches and receive a small group lesson.
Mondays include a Drama class, Tuesdays include an Odyssey of the Mind class, Wednesdays include a Spanish class and Thursdays include an Art Through Literature class.
The school has been in operation for 43 years.
About Montessori
The Montessori system of education was created by Maria Montessori, the first female doctor in Italy.In the early 1900's, the children of the poor did not go to school but were allowed to run wild throughout the city.
In Rome, wealthy bankers approached Montessori and asked her to find a solution. They offered her a space. She hired a teacher so that she would be free to observe the children, as she believed that the children themselves would demonstrate their developmental needs to the careful observer.
She designed child sized tables and chairs and created auto didactic materials as she saw that the children wanted to make discoveries for themselves.She also observed that children go through stages when they are in highly receptive modes for learning certain skills, such as writing and reading, and that these stages occur at much younger ages than was currently thought.
Interesting how recent neurological studies have supported her observationally based theories of the existence of what she called sensitive periods.She encouraged independence, mannered behavior and self-direction.
Word of her great success with these children spread quickly.She spent the rest of her life traveling the world and spreading her vision of education for peace.
“Simply put, during normalization, the child is becoming his or her best possible self and doing so without effort and with complete joy.”
Maria Montessori
Admissions
Admission to the school is open to children between the ages of 3 and 7 and is without regard to race, religion, cultural heritage, political beliefs, disability, and marital status or sexual orientation of parents. The school values balancing the sexes and maintaining that balance may be a factor in admissions decisions.
Parents are asked to call the school at 781-631-8687 and make an appointment to visit. Admissions materials will be given out at the time of the visit. Interested parents are asked to send a completed application form and non-refundable fee of $40 to the school. Successful applicants will be asked to send a $800 non-refundable deposit to hold their child’s place in the school. This deposit will be credited toward the first tuition payment.
Subsequent admissions are made on an ongoing basis until such times as all available spaces have been filled. If the number of applications exceeds the number of spaces, those names are held on a waiting list. The director makes every effort to inform parents as quickly as possible as to the ultimate status of their application.
Applications of returning students and their siblings should be made by January 15th. All others are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Completed applications and fees should be sent to: The Children’s Workshop Montessori School, 53 Robert Rd., Marblehead, MA 01945. The application can also be emailed to info@marbleheadmontessori.com.
“The crowning characteristic of a group of normalized children is joy. It pervades the little community like a perfume. And it is as hard to describe as it is easy to perceive.”
Maria Montessori
Teachers
All of our teachers are Montessori trained.
Parents Comment
...inspiring second home
The Children's Workshop Montessori has been more than just a school for my two daughters; it's been a nurturing and inspiring second home. The Montessori approach, with its emphasis on hands-on learning and self-discovery, has allowed my girls to truly thrive. They're actively engaging with the world around them, exploring their interests, and developing a lifelong love of learning. My oldest is even starting to speak Spanish thanks to the wonderful afternoon program!
What truly sets The Children's Workshop apart is the dedicated staff, including Kate, the Founder and Director. Kate's passion for Montessori education is evident in every aspect of the school. She, and the wonderful teachers, foster a sense of wonder and curiosity in each child, providing individualized support that allows them to flourish. It's truly magical.
I've watched my daughters blossom at The Children's Workshop. They've grown more confident, independent, and compassionate. I wholeheartedly recommend The Children's Workshop Montessori to any parent seeking a truly enriching educational environment for their child.
Nick and Margaux Danforth
....wonderful, individualized education experience
The Children’s Workshop has enriched our lives for the past 8 years in so many ways it’s hard to put into words what they all mean to us.
The teachers and staff have given all three of our children a wonderful, individualized education experience. It’s the love, time, and attention that each of our children has received that has helped them to develop the strong self-esteem necessary to have a successful future. This, in turn, has instilled a strong and positive attitude towards learning. The well-rounded skills obtained are a beautiful blend of academics, art, language and social skills.
We are eternally grateful for the kindness and caring that The Children’s workshop has given not just our children, but our entire family. I really wish we never had to leave!
Frances Jonina Smith
Solid foundation
Our experience at The Children’s Workshop has been extremely positive for all four of our children. The teachers are friendly and approachable, and create a nurturing environment for the children.
The curriculum is engaging with emphasis on developmental areas, such as early literacy skills. The school has provided a solid foundation for the social and emotional growth of each of our children and they are currently thriving in elementary school.
We appreciate the variety of activities offered, which include Spanish, art, music, Odyssey of the Mind, and outdoor play, allowing children to explore their interests and develop new skills.
The Children’s Workshop has provided a solid foundation for our children while being an important and much loved part of our family for the past six years.
Katie Katzman
...excited to go to school each day
As a parent of Children's Workshop I cannot say enough wonderful things about the school. Since day one we have been greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere which immediately helped our little one feel comfortable.
Our daughter is genuinely excited to go to school each day. The teachers truly care about each student and get to know them as individuals. Their communication is exceptional where we as parents feel very in the know with the development and day to day.
We have watched our daughter blossom into a confident, curious, independent, and incredibly kind little kid we are so proud of largely due to her experience at The Children's Workshop.
She has started writing and is both excited and determined to read which we can't wait to watch further develop during her 3rd year at the school. Thank you Children's Workshop for the best start to our daughter's education.