When parents of prospective students visit our campus, they are often amazed that our classes are comprised of students ranging between the ages of three (3) to six (6). ”How is it possible to have children at such different developmental stages all together at the same time?” We get this question a lot – to say the least. My first reaction – in my head, of course – is always ”How could we possibly not operate this way?” Such a thought or reaction may sound impertinent, but it’s the truth.
Watching children of different ages work together and learn from each other is nothing short of beautiful and inspiring. As is often the case with children, the younger children want to be able to do everything that the older children are capable of doing. It brings a smile to my face when I think of having heard and seen some of our younger students say - with hip jutted out and hand strategically placed on it for effect - ”I just have to complete the Map of North America this week so that I can move on to the Map of Canada.” Knowing who this child chums with, I know why he is in such a rush to expedite his geographical knowledge. His best school mate is 14 months older than he, and has progressed through the puzzle maps at a faster pace. That in itself speaks volumes to the value of having children of mixed ages in the same class.
Anticipating the next question before it’s asked, I respond with “The older students do benefit from the mixed-aged class setting, as well.” The older children learn skills and develop emotional intelligence in ways that could not be taught. Seeing a Kindergarten student take the hand of a new, younger student who is away from her parents for the first time is precious. Teaching empathy is a challenge to say the least, but the Montessori environment lends itself nicely to children being presented with opportunities to learn these soft skills.
Dr. Maria Montessori was also very clever when she developed the “Montessori Work” that still sits on shelves in Montessori classrooms today. All of the work in our classes could be used and enjoyed equally by a student who is three or a student who is six, just to different degrees of complexity. This builds confidence in spades.
A mixed-age classroom you ask? I say, it’s the only way to go!
