Page 8 - 2024 November newsletter flip

Montessori Moment
Why Mixed Ages in the Montessori Classroom?
In one corner of the Montessori classroom, a 6-year-old reads a book to a 4-year-old. In another area, a 5-year-old watches a 6-year-old work on an advanced math material. In another, a four-year-old helps a 3-year-old with mopping up a spill. These are some everyday scenarios you might encounter in a mixed-age classroom. While these moments may warm the heart, you’re probably wondering what exactly is a mixed-age classroom?
In a Montessori environment, children are grouped in multi-age classrooms, rather than having one age group per class. Montessori age groupings are as follows: Toddler: 18 months – 3 years, Preschool: 3-6 years, Lower Elementary: 6-9 years, Upper Elementary: 9-12. Mixed-age grouping is a striking difference between Montessori and traditional educational programs. In traditional schooling children all learn the same material at the same time and the curriculum is based on the pace of the average student – children feel left behind if they struggle with a concept, or they feel bored by repetition of something they have already mastered.
The Montessori mixed-age grouping creates an atmosphere where children learn to help and be helped by other children, because they interact consistently with children whose age and abilities are varied. Children gain an appreciation for their own achievements and the accomplishments of others. They are also naturally challenged by the achievements of others.
Offers a Real-World Experience
How often do people divide by age group in the real world? Not too often! Mixed-age classrooms better prepare children for the “real world,” in which they’ll interact with other people of a range of ages, experiences, and abilities.
Wonderful Mentors: Older children learn to be kind and patient, and serve as role models and teachers for the younger children. When an older child teaches a younger one, it reinforces previously learned concepts and is actually an aid in complete mastery of concepts.
Learning by Osmosis: By watching the older children, the younger children learn a tremendous amount by observing academic lessons, grace and courtesy in action, and conflict resolution.
Community: By staying in a classroom for a three-year period, children develop a strong sense of community and stability, with 2/3 of a class returning every year. This community aids the development of students as role models for one another and builds strong friendships.
Emotional Well-being: Another benefit to a multi-age classroom is that there is less competition. Children in the same age group tend to compare themselves to one another a lot! With a mixed-age group, the focus is on discovery and the joy of learning. Without all of the comparing, children are able to relax and enjoy the learning process. Because each child is working at their own pace, they can focus on their own learning goals and progress.