The Carpenter's Workshop has been open since September 2003. Our class is a mixed group of 3 and 4 year old children. There is a maximum of 15 students with a teacher and an assistant.

What we teach and do

The Carpenter's Workshop is a Christian based program. We use a thematic approach to learning, incorporating hands on learning, kindergarten readiness (which includes small muscle development), art, music and dramatic play in order to reinforce socially appropriate behavior and prepare children for a lifetime of learning.

We introduce three year old children to numbers, letters, colors, and shapes. Four year old children learn letter sounds and letter recognition, writing, putting events in sequence, creating stories, and counting. Everyone learns about weather, the seasons, months of the year, holidays, hygiene, nature, bible stories, and art skills--such as using scissors, painting, coloring, and tracing.

During free play children choose their own activities, such as dress-up, dolls, trucks, blocks, puzzles, playing with sand or play-doh, and playing house. Learning tables are set up to encourage cooperative play and social interactions.

With these opportunities, children learn communication skills, sharing, getting along with each other and with groups, and the reinforcement of social skills, such as manners, taking turns, working together, and expressing themselves.

Who we are

Carole Monkowski is the program director and teacher. She taught first grade for one year, special education for six years, and has been teaching preschool for 12 years. She has a BS in elementary Education N-6 and a MA in Special Education K-12, and is permanently certified in both areas.

Mary Lou Corea is our new assistant. She is an experienced teacher. Mary Lou  taught in the Cornwall School District for 23 years as an elementary physical education teacher. She has taught kindergarten for 12 years - 6 years in Round Rock, Texas and 6 years at St. Joseph's in Florida, New York.