Multi-Age Classes
All children can learn, but they learn at different rates.
Every child can learn and has the right to do so at his or her own pace and that learning is a continuum rather than a series of steps. Diversity is not only a reality but to be embraced in a classroom that is a family of learners where students naturally become more accepting of one another's differences. There is an atmosphere of nurturing rather than competition. Multiage programs focus on individual students with a curriculum geared to everyone, not just those in the middle. This helps special needs children and challenges talented children because "grade level" is no longer enough to get by. Projects are chosen according to developmental levels so students feel successful and have fewer failures. Questions are on higher-levels of thinking for the more able students, while the less able student works on easier questions. Success raises self-esteem. Since assignments are individualized, it is not apparent which students are "high level or low level."
Multiage learning allows classes to spend less time (almost an extra month of teaching time) getting to know the students and parents. Less review is needed before presenting new content. There is much more consistency allowing students to become more successful.
Students develop a sense of family with their classmates who support and care for each other. More capable, older students model more sophisticated approaches to problem solving, and younger, less capable students accomplish tasks they could not do without the assistance. This increases students' levels of independence and competence. Students take charge of their learning by making choices with project work. This sense of "ownership" and self-direction is the foundation for lifelong learning.