During the elementary years, students use manipulative materials to concretely experience concepts.  They spend much of their time building focus, concentration, and endurance by practice and repetition.

This is the time to memorize math facts, penmanship strokes, states, and capitals.  The awe and wonder of these years can be harnessed to appreciate the big picture concepts of science, history, and geography.  Students freely move about the room and participate as a member of the classroom community by observing and respecting the work of others and by offering to to collaborate.