Mixed-aged Morning
This is a combination class for children ages 3-5 years old who are enrolled in either the Preschool Class and the Pre-Kindergarten Program. The class will meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9-12pm. Each class will have a lead teacher.
Encourages Peer Learning - older children have the opportunity to be role models to the younger children, and the younger children imitate the older children. Older children also have the opportunity to increase their patience and nurturing ability when being around younger children more frequently. Younger children are inspired by seeing their older peers accomplish developmental milestones, and as a result, they want to challenge themselves to try those skills. Empathy among one another is an organic result with co-mingled age groups. ...when children were segregated by age they missed out on the opportunities to learn from the experiences, knowledge and abilities of older peers.” (Gray, 2011)
Increases opportunity for mastery- Exposure to restating, review, repetition, and refinement of concepts and skills learned.
Builds Empathy - Older children in mixed age groups will learn compassion, patience, problem-solving, and assist younger children. Younger child learn from observing their older peers and learn to work together as a cohesive group.
Older children in mixed-age groups help to jump start younger children's "helping behaviors" and perspective-taking abilities (Derscheid,1997)
(Katz et al,1990)
Continuity of Care- https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/jul2018/benefits-continuity-care
Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Lessons will be modified to ensure that all students have age appropriate experiences, activities, and opportunities to participate in less and more challenging activities (dependent upon their readiness and interest levels). Each activity will be able to be adapted for the children’s individual needs and developmental stage.
MIXED AGED ACTIVITY SCHEDULE (sample)
9:00
Greeting, Daily arrival well check, Cubbies, Hand-washing, Sign In
9:00 - 9:45
*Free/Choice Play
9:45 - 9:55
Clean Up Time
9:55 - 10:00
Transition to Circle Time, Attendance Roll Call
10:00 - 10:10
Music & Movement (class-wide), dismiss to small group circle time
10:10 - 10:25
Small Group Circle Time
10:25 - 10:30
Transition to Snack, Restroom, Hand-washing
10:30 - 10:50
Snack Time
10:50 - * 11:30
Class-wide Outside Time
Clean up to get ready for Closing Circle*
11:50 - 12:00
Closing/Goodbye Circle & Departure
This is a combination class for children ages 3-5 years old who are enrolled in either the Preschool Class and the Pre-Kindergarten Program. The class will meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9-12pm. Each class will have a lead teacher.
- Mixed-age groupings resemble family and neighborhood groupings, which throughout human history have provided much of children's socialization and education. (Social Learning)
Research indicates that social development can be enhanced by experiences available in mixed-age groupings. For example, leadership and pro-social behaviors have been observed to increase.
Encourages Peer Learning - older children have the opportunity to be role models to the younger children, and the younger children imitate the older children. Older children also have the opportunity to increase their patience and nurturing ability when being around younger children more frequently. Younger children are inspired by seeing their older peers accomplish developmental milestones, and as a result, they want to challenge themselves to try those skills. Empathy among one another is an organic result with co-mingled age groups. ...when children were segregated by age they missed out on the opportunities to learn from the experiences, knowledge and abilities of older peers.” (Gray, 2011)
- Cognitive conflict implies that children's knowledge or abilities that are similar, but not identical, stimulate each other's thinking and cognitive growth (Model of Cognitive Development; assimilation, accommodation, adaptation)
Increases opportunity for mastery- Exposure to restating, review, repetition, and refinement of concepts and skills learned.
- Children with varying capacities in mixed-age programs benefit academically and socially.
Builds Empathy - Older children in mixed age groups will learn compassion, patience, problem-solving, and assist younger children. Younger child learn from observing their older peers and learn to work together as a cohesive group.
Older children in mixed-age groups help to jump start younger children's "helping behaviors" and perspective-taking abilities (Derscheid,1997)
(Katz et al,1990)
Continuity of Care- https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/jul2018/benefits-continuity-care
Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Lessons will be modified to ensure that all students have age appropriate experiences, activities, and opportunities to participate in less and more challenging activities (dependent upon their readiness and interest levels). Each activity will be able to be adapted for the children’s individual needs and developmental stage.
MIXED AGED ACTIVITY SCHEDULE (sample)
9:00
Greeting, Daily arrival well check, Cubbies, Hand-washing, Sign In
9:00 - 9:45
*Free/Choice Play
9:45 - 9:55
Clean Up Time
9:55 - 10:00
Transition to Circle Time, Attendance Roll Call
10:00 - 10:10
Music & Movement (class-wide), dismiss to small group circle time
10:10 - 10:25
Small Group Circle Time
10:25 - 10:30
Transition to Snack, Restroom, Hand-washing
10:30 - 10:50
Snack Time
10:50 - * 11:30
Class-wide Outside Time
Clean up to get ready for Closing Circle*
11:50 - 12:00
Closing/Goodbye Circle & Departure