In any classroom, you'll usually find children of the same age. Children learn the same material at a time, while the curriculum is created depending on an average student’s pace of learning. That's because children often feel left behind when they struggle with a concept.
On the other hand, mixed-age classrooms comprise a range of children's ages in one classroom. Usually, their ages vary by two or three years. Dr. Montessori is known to have initiated mixed classrooms. She observed that communication between children of different ages benefits the classroom in various ways. Here's how.
Introducing Leadership
In a mixed-classroom setting, older children tend to lead and support younger children. This helps children who may hesitate to accept a leadership role among their peers.
Since older children usually feel more secure and confident, they're inclined to teach, share, explain, and help while developing critical social skills that help them prepare better for kindergarten.
Improved Academic Results
Research says that there are many things a five-year-old can learn better than a three-year-old. So multi-age classrooms provide children with the opportunity to learn from each other.
Younger children focus more on learning from advanced students. Older children can also benefit from re-teaching, enhancing the concepts they previously learned.
Another academic advantage is that mixed-age classrooms allow children to learn at their own level and at a comfortable pace. For instance, a younger child can explore geometric solids, while an older child is more likely to name them or match them to cards.
Improved Social Skills
Younger students generally observe older students negotiating over using different materials by taking turns. As the six-year-olds agree after a calm discussion, this can be a beneficial teaching moment for the younger child. Such situations can help them understand social skills like waiting and using polite words.
Ithaca Montessori: A Montessori School in Nashville, TN
If you're planning to enroll your child in a preschool in Nashville, TN, Ithaca Montessori is the best suited Montessori school that focuses on early childhood development. Our Kids Education Program can prepare your child for success later in life. Our Montessori offers an ideal learning environment in multi-age classrooms for 2.5-5-year-olds. Visit our website for more information. Click here to contact us.