Leaves are raked. The physical body of the elementary child is developing muscle mass and refining the coordination of the lengthening arms and legs. There is a desire to practice and develop skills needed for such activities as climbing trees, manipulating playground structures, handling balls, etc. They are challenged when skills are applied in group games as seen in the photo to the left. Enthusiasm and a love of learning are apparent in the Zia classroom.
Children support each other in their process of learning and growing.
Supportive encouragement replaces competition. Respect for each other is fostered. The children at Zia Montessori are prepared for the world in which we live, not by the memorization of facts, but by an understanding of the interrelatedness of all subjects. They learn to think, to ask questions and to search for solutions. This brings about a joy in learning, a confidence in themselves and a sense of hope in an ever changing world.