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Learn about the history and benefits of multiage classrooms, where students of mixed ages learn together in a family-like environment. Discover how children learn best and the research-based components for instruction. Understand how a multiage program differs from a single-grade classroom and explore common concerns.
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Multiage Grades 1, 2, 3 Heather Anello Ann Marie Oliverio Rebecca Orsi Bobbi Sikoski Primary Education Center 2008
History of Multiage • Began as “one-room” schoolhouses • As the nations population grew, students were divided into grades according to their age - out of convenience (everyone could use the same curriculum and textbooks)
What is Multiage? • A classroom is comprised of students of mixed ages. Children spend the entire three years with a team of teachers that is truly a family unit. • It promotes unity, diversity and success through developmentally appropriate educational practices according to how children learn best. • Multiage focuses on abilities not deficiencies, with an emphasis on differentiated learning. • Environment provides for community building.
How Children Learn • Children learn as a whole person • They are active, not passive learners • They learn through play, social interaction, and imitation
How Children learn cont…. Students learn and construct knowledge as a result of meaningful experiences Skills and concepts are developed and enhanced through child and teacher initiated activities
What does the educational research say about Multiage classes? • promotes positive emotional and social growth which enhances leadership qualities • encourages team building and cooperative grouping for students and teachers • students do as well on academic measurements as single grade students • strong family involvement and commitment • research also suggests that students in multiage settings were found to have: • Higher self-esteem • Less anti-social behavior • Better attitudes towards school
Our Research-Based Components for Instruction The Whole Child: Mind, Body, Social, Emotional, and Academic Growth Brain-Based Learning,Choice Theory (5 basic needs), Multiple Intelligences, Differentiated Instruction,Cooperative Learning, Thematic Units of Instruction
How is it different from a single grade classroom? • Time - teachers really get to know a student’s needs over time. • Curriculum for the Whole Child - Physical, social, emotional, and intellectual domains • Allows for growth over time….the Elementary Curriculum is presented over a three year span and is reinforced systematically to allow for developmental differences
How does the teacher teach a three year span of the curriculum? • Instruction is made up of whole, interest, ability, and special need based groupings • Groups are flexible and change as often needed • Teaming - just as students work collaboratively, so do the teachers • Curriculum in a cycle of instruction which eliminates teaching material that has already been covered • Thematic Approach - helps to provide differentiated instruction and customized learning
Why Offer a Multiage Program at the Primary Education Center? • Choice-diversified grouping provides students with other ways to learn and grow… • Teachers choose to teach in a family unit co-teaching with other professionals who have similar philosophies in teaching practice
How does a student get into the multiage program ? • Parent request • Teacher request • Student request
Common Concerns • Noise Level Silence is not a pre-condition of learning. Many activities require the children to discuss their learning with their peers • Movement Around the Classroom Movement around the classroom is encouraged, and indeed many activities require the students to move from one area to another. This type of environment promotes an activity based learning experience, which can accommodate all children’s learning styles.
Concerns continued… • Is there structure? “Structure refers to the extent to which teachers develop an instructional plan, then organize the physical setting and social environment to support the achievement of education goals. (Spodeck, Saracho, and Davis, 1991) Our students work towards instructional goals and can be active, but not unstructured. This overall environment creates a flexible, stimulating classroom.
Concerns cont…. • Are we preparing the students for the New York State Assessments? YES! While planning, we use our curriculum reference guides and the New York State Standards
A Multiage environment encourages different-aged children to bring an array of physical, mental, and social experiences to the classroom setting. Just the way most real-life settings are!
