Children's Workshop
Montessori
"It's Magical"
ChiCng
About
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The Montessori system of education was created by Maria Montessori, the first female doctor in Italy.
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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 do something about it. 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.
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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.
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She encouraged independence, mannered behavior and self-direction. Word of her great success with these children spread quickly.
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She spent the rest of her life traveling the world and spreading her vision of education for peace.
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The school is open to children between the ages of 3 and 7. All children attend school 5 mornings a week. There are 31 children in the school and 5 teachers.
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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.
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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.
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The school has been in operation for 33 years.
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Our Teachers
"Great teachers carry with them a larger vision of the child's future than the goal of any particular lesson." Maria Montessori
Catherine Birtwell…….…A.M.I. Montessori Institute Of Atlanta, M.Ed. Boston College, B.A. Anna Maria College, Founder and Director for 30 years
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Sonia Vega-Durrani…….A.M.S. New England Montessori Teacher Education Center, B.A. Universidad de Chihuahua, Lead Teacher
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Jill Vizcaino…………………A.M.S. Northeast Montessori Institute, B.A. Salve Regina University,M.Ed. Lesley University Co -Director
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Marcela Hornos...........
Diana Cuartas........ Assistant Teacher
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Subject Specialists
Danielle DeVeau- Drama
Aryn Ferreira - Odyssey of the Mind
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Lisa Gillis --Art & Art Through Literature
B.A. Art Simmons College
Cert. Interior Design Endicott College
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Dara Van Remoortel- Music
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Sonia Vega-Durrani -- Spanish
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