"When we ask a five-year-old to be tolerant of a three-year-old's first fumbling efforts to put on his or her jacket, or a six-year-old to be appreciative of a five-year-old's early efforts to read, we have the beginnings of parent education."
Lilian Katz - Author & Early Childhood Specialist
Lilian Katz - Author & Early Childhood Specialist
The Mixed Age Classroom
As adults we know that problems are best solved when we build upon and utilize the strengths and talents of each other. The same applies in the classroom. When you have the same aged children working together, most of them will be on equal terms of emotional, social, physical and cognitive development. In a mixed-age setting, children learn how to solve problems through observing older children, or by helping less experienced children work through a social dispute. The benefit of this environment is that each child has the opportunity to shine depending on his or her strengths and talents, regardless of age. In reality, it is a mini version of what the real world is like and the result is children will have developed many useful life skills for future academic and social success. |
"Thus in the mixed-age group, younger children perceive the older ones as being able to contribute something, and the older children see the younger ones as in need of their contributions. These mutually reinforcing perceptions create a climate of expected cooperation beneficial to the children.” Lillian Katz
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Mixed age groups create an atmosphere where children learn to help and be helped by other children. Younger children watch and observe older children set the stage for pretend play, negotiate space and materials, and solve social disputes. They naturally want to be a part of the sophisticated play style and that serves as a strong motivation for positive, productive behavior. Older children learn to be patient and tolerant. They quickly understand that the younger children are receptive to their ideas and this builds self- esteem, leadership skills and motivation to serve as role models and teachers to younger children.
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