MULTIAGE CLASSROOM

 

What is a Multiage Classroom?

A multiage classroom is a classroom that is made up of several different aged students from different grade levels.  In the case of our classroom, that is First and Second grade. The students in our class will learn the same things as their peers in a straight grade class.  

 

 

Benefits of a multiage classroom (According to The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI))

 

- Children are able to spend longer periods of time with the same teacher. This allows the teacher to develop a deeper understanding of a child’s strengths and needs.

 

- Children have several years to develop, and are able to see themselves as progressive, successful learners.

 

 - Children are not labeled according to their ability, and children learn at their own rate.

 

- Children develop a sense of family with their classmates. They become a "family of learners" who support and care for each other.

 

- Older children have the opportunity to serve as mentors and to take leadership roles.

 

- Children are more likely to cooperate than compete. The spirit of cooperation and caring makes it possible for children to help each other as individuals, not see each other as competitors.

 

- Older children model more sophisticated approaches to problem solving, and younger children are able to accomplish tasks they could not do without the assistance of older children. This dynamic increases the older child’s level of independence and competence.

 

- Children are invited to take charge of their learning, by making choices at centers and with project work. This sense of "ownership" and self-direction is the foundation for lifelong learning.

 

- Children have almost an extra month of teaching time, because the teacher does not have to spend the early weeks in the school year getting to know each child.