The Benefits of Mixed Age Play

One of the very unique and beautiful parts about Montessori is that all the classrooms are mixed age:

• Casa is ages 3 to 6
• Lower Elementary is ages 6 to 9
• Upper Elementary is ages 9 to 12

These mixed-aged classes work so well for both younger and older children:

1. For younger children - The younger children learn a lot simply by observing the older children, seeing what they can do, how they work, etc. Adults make excellent teachers and guides for children, but learning side by side with children older than you (only by a few years) can be motivating.
   
   
2. For the older children - Being in the same class as younger children gives them a chance to practice leadership skills. When they give lessons to younger children (which they are invited to do in the classroom), they are reinforcing their own learning, building confidence, and developing a sense of responsibility.
   
   
3. For all children - It develops their social skills in a different way than being in a classroom with children of the same age. It’s a more accurate representation of life, teaching them how to work with others who are at different ages and stages of development. It helps them to develop empathy, flexibility and patience. Because the age groups are 3 years, this also means that, for some children, they’re in the same class for all those years, and often with the same teacher too. This provides a sense of security and belonging, which is so beneficial to a child’s overall well-being.
   
   
4. For all children - Mixed-age classrooms allow every child to work and learn at their own pace. There is no one set curriculum for all children of the same age to learn. Children who are ready for more advanced work can move ahead without being held back due to their age or set curriculum, and the same goes for children who need a little extra time to practice a skill.

Mixed Age Play at Home or Other Social Settings

When an older sibling or child is teaching a younger child something, there is so much learning happening.

In Montessori classrooms, teachers step back when these lessons are taking place and do not interfere.

At home, you can do the same.

It’s okay if the older sibling isn’t teaching their younger sibling the exact correct way to do something, they’ll figure it out together, even if that means eventually asking you for help :)