Value of Montessori Mixed Age Groups

In our classrooms, children that are approaching age 3 up to children age 6 share a mixed-age classroom intentionally and here’s why:

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• Life isn’t segregated by age; communities aren’t neatly divided into peer groups and we don’t just hang out with people our own age. So why do most school systems separate students based on their age?

•  Contrary to popular belief, age does not dictate social or academic developmental level, and it’s in fact more beneficial for children (even as early as preschool and kindergarten levels) to be exposed to mixed age groups throughout their social, intellectual, and emotional development.

• Because some kids learn faster, or slower, keeping children of the same age learning the same concepts will end up leaving some behind, and pulling others back. Learning has little to do with age, and much more to do with how well they absorb and interpret information, as well as their learning style.

• Exposing kids to a mixed age group environment helps boost their learning experience and their development in a number of ways.

• Eliminates competition, as every child is at a different stage of learning, unique to their own development.

• Encourages kids to build strong bonds with others not of their own age (much like how older and younger siblings interact).

• Teaches peer-to-peer interactions (children are more apt to learn from their peers than from adults).

• Better social and academic skills than traditionally schooled children.

• Not only are mixed age groups a benefit for younger kids, but it’s an equal benefit to older children, as well.

• Teaches older kids the reward of being a good role-model for younger children.

• Gives the kids the ability to become mentors to the younger ones (assist them on how to properly carry a tray, where the bathroom is, where to put their lunchbox, where and when to eat lunch, etc.).

• Gives the older children a stronger sense of self-worth as they’re helping others.

• Teaches kids to be sensitive to others around them, to recognize when others need help, and helps them to become more independent in their actions.

• One specific benefit of this mixed-age diversity is that it helps to eliminate unhealthy competition between students. Students of similar ages and abilities naturally compare themselves to one another. In a mixed-age classroom, attention is instead drawn to the range of talents and abilities within the class.