The experience of “Zarkadakia” is a journey along the paths of life…
The bell rings…. A new friend has arrived at our school…
- “Welcome… What’s your name?”, a sweet voice says.
And then…. “Do you want to play with me?”… “You can stay for a little while so that you can meet more new friends”… “Mommy and daddy will be in the office next door to speak with the teacher”.
Acquaintances are made through playing… We immediately form a circle and welcome our new classmate. At first they feel awkward… They want to open the door, leave and explore all spaces… Feel safe… Mom and dad reassure them with their presence… The child relaxes… They tentatively approach the toys, the other children, the teacher… A smile, a hug… Reinforcement so that they feel at home… And then drawing, singing, story time, and playing some more… The time has passed… The child is leaving… But they will be back the next day… “Your toys and friends will be waiting for you… Bye!”…
“Through playing, friendship, cooperation, love, we teach children the values and virtues that will make them better equipped to face both the easy and – most importantly – hard parts of crossing “the large gate” towards the broader society.”
Time flies… It’s been a month already!… We have learned so much… We sit in a group, form a beeline, follow the group, craft things on our own and then want to show them to mom and dad… Often effortlessly, while playing… It feels so good to discover your potential every day… To receive praise and put in some extra effort… It is so nice to grow up with so many “mothers” and so many “siblings”… To get to know more children, who come from distant parts… Like distant cousins…
The experience of “Zarkadakia” is a journey along the paths of life… Through playing, friendship, cooperation, love, we teach children the values and virtues that will make them better equipped to face both the easy and – most importantly – hard parts of crossing “the large gate” towards the broader society.