Multiage classrooms are nothing new. They've been around for many years. In fact, Montessori schools, which are multiage, date back to 1907. Differentiating instruction is also not new. Dedicated teachers plan for differing academic levels, hands on projects, and engaging lessons every day. They consider where students need to be and work hard to get them there. Our multiage class incorporates all the wonderful aspects of a 21st century teacher and the power of mixed ages to create a highly effective, challenging, and dynamic learning environment.
The uniqueness of a multiage classroom cannot be explained thoroughly in a list, for it must be experienced to be deeply understood. I hope that this intrigues you enough to wonder more, ask more, and participate more in our class:
1. Student Centered: Learners are at the center of the classroom. They are given what they need socially, emotionally, and academically. Ownership over their education creates a lifelong love of learning.
2. Individuality: Learners feel safe in an environment that honors each child as unique and special.
3. Mentorship: Naturally formed relationships allow older students to grow through mentoring, leading, and collaborating with younger students. They are offered motivating and challenging projects that help them build confidence and meet high expectations.
4. Stretch: Are empowered through interactive, hands on, engaging lessons and projects that consider their interests. They have many opportunities to be coached, supported, and inspired by older students.
5. Data driven: Ongoing data collection and analysis ensures accurate, personalized educational experiences.
6. Realistic: The age and skill differences mimic real life. Learners are coached to learn to work with differing abilities, life experiences, and developmental stages.
7. Educator on the side: The teacher is a coach, rather than an all knowing, dispenser of knowledge. Students' ideas are encouraged, respected, challenged, fine tuned, and celebrated.
8. Hands on learning: Projects are interesting and student driven. Students become skilled problem solvers.
9. Time to grow: Learners have more time to develop their skills.
10. Purposeful: The heart of the classroom is learning for the sake of learning. Learners become curious about their world, willing to take risks, and excited to attain the skills to make a difference.
11. Family: Okay, so I added one more... Our class becomes a family, which means that we look out for each other in tough times and rejoice in our successes.
The uniqueness of a multiage classroom cannot be explained thoroughly in a list, for it must be experienced to be deeply understood. I hope that this intrigues you enough to wonder more, ask more, and participate more in our class:
1. Student Centered: Learners are at the center of the classroom. They are given what they need socially, emotionally, and academically. Ownership over their education creates a lifelong love of learning.
2. Individuality: Learners feel safe in an environment that honors each child as unique and special.
3. Mentorship: Naturally formed relationships allow older students to grow through mentoring, leading, and collaborating with younger students. They are offered motivating and challenging projects that help them build confidence and meet high expectations.
4. Stretch: Are empowered through interactive, hands on, engaging lessons and projects that consider their interests. They have many opportunities to be coached, supported, and inspired by older students.
5. Data driven: Ongoing data collection and analysis ensures accurate, personalized educational experiences.
6. Realistic: The age and skill differences mimic real life. Learners are coached to learn to work with differing abilities, life experiences, and developmental stages.
7. Educator on the side: The teacher is a coach, rather than an all knowing, dispenser of knowledge. Students' ideas are encouraged, respected, challenged, fine tuned, and celebrated.
8. Hands on learning: Projects are interesting and student driven. Students become skilled problem solvers.
9. Time to grow: Learners have more time to develop their skills.
10. Purposeful: The heart of the classroom is learning for the sake of learning. Learners become curious about their world, willing to take risks, and excited to attain the skills to make a difference.
11. Family: Okay, so I added one more... Our class becomes a family, which means that we look out for each other in tough times and rejoice in our successes.