Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten 11
Multiage classroom
A multiage or mixed-age classroom refers to a situation in which “students of different ages and identified age levels are grouped together in a single classroom for the purpose of providing effective instruction" (Miller 1995, 29). Children offered this opportunity in Pre-Kinder will remain with their classroom community for two years, which allows them to develop a close relationship with their classmates and teachers. The multiage classrooms are designed to provide engaging educational experiences for all participating students. The natural competition that can develop in a single-grade-level classroom is neutralized because we expose the children to curricula for several developmental levels. The students observe that each of their peers has different academic and social abilities, and they begin to understand that we all learn differently and at our own pace. This develops self-confidence and respect for differences that exist in the classroom.
Here in Pre-Kinder and Kinder 11, we strive to create a classroom community that values respect and celebrates our diversity. The multiage experience allows all of us to learn from each other in a variety of ways, particularly by discovering our strengths and sharing them with others. In this way, we engage in a process of teaching and learning from each other, both academically and socially.
Sources
Gaustad, Joan. (1995). Implementing the multiage classroom. ERIC Digest. Eugene, OR: ERIC Clearinghouse on Educational Management.
Katz, Lilian. (1995). The benefits of mixed-age grouping. ERIC Digest. Champaign, IL: ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education.
Miller, W. (1995, February). Are multiage grouping practices a missing link in the educational reform debate?National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Bulletin, 27-32.
The Benefits of Mixed Age Grouping
This is an article written about mixed-age grouping by Lilian G. Katz, author of "You Can't Say, You Can't Play." In this article Katz discusses the social participation and intellectual benefits of these types of classrooms.
Mixed-Age Groups in Early Childhood Education
This is an article written by Demetra Evangelou.
Enhancing Learning Through Multiage Grouping
This website is published by the North Central Educational Laboratory and shares extensive explanations on multiage classrooms.
Mixed-age grouping in the Kindergarten years
This is a brochure published by the Simcoe County District School Board in Canada that answers teachers and parents basic questions about multiage or mixed-age grouping.
Gaustad, Joan. (1995). Implementing the multiage classroom. ERIC Digest. Eugene, OR: ERIC Clearinghouse on Educational Management.
Katz, Lilian. (1995). The benefits of mixed-age grouping. ERIC Digest. Champaign, IL: ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education.
Miller, W. (1995, February). Are multiage grouping practices a missing link in the educational reform debate?National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Bulletin, 27-32.
The Benefits of Mixed Age Grouping
This is an article written about mixed-age grouping by Lilian G. Katz, author of "You Can't Say, You Can't Play." In this article Katz discusses the social participation and intellectual benefits of these types of classrooms.
Mixed-Age Groups in Early Childhood Education
This is an article written by Demetra Evangelou.
Enhancing Learning Through Multiage Grouping
This website is published by the North Central Educational Laboratory and shares extensive explanations on multiage classrooms.
Mixed-age grouping in the Kindergarten years
This is a brochure published by the Simcoe County District School Board in Canada that answers teachers and parents basic questions about multiage or mixed-age grouping.
Un salón mixto hace referencia a la situación en la cual: “los estudiantes de diferentes edades y niveles escolares, se encuentran agrupados juntos en el mismo salón con el propósito de ofrecerles una instrucción efectiva” (Miller 1995,29). A los niños que se les ofrece esta oportunidad en el Pre- Kinder, permancerán con la comunidad de su salón durante dos años. Esto les permite desarrollar una relación estrecha con sus compañeros y maestras. El salón mixto esta diseñado para ofrecer experiencias educativas motivantes para todos los alumnos participantes. La competitividad natural que se puede llegar a desarrollar entre los niños de un salón de nivel escolar convencional, es dentro del salón mixto, neutralizada ya que el niño esta expuesto a un curriculum para diferentes niveles de desarrollos. Los alumnos observan que cada uno de sus compañeros tiene habilidades sociales y académicas diferentes. De esta manera comienzan a comprender que todos aprendemos de maneras diferentes y a nuestro propio ritmo. Esto desarrolla un sentimiento de confianza en sí mismos y un respeto hacia las diferencias que existen en el salón.
En Pre-Kinder y Kinder 11 nos esforzamos en crear una comunidad en nuestro salón que valore el respeto y celebre la diversidad. La experiencia de participar en un grupo mixto, nos permite aprender los unos de los otros de diferentes maneras. Al mismo tiempo nos permite descubrir nuestras fortalezas y compartirlas con los demás. De esta manera participamos y nos comprometemos con el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje, académico y social, de los demás.