How Kindergarten Students Benefit From A Montessori Mixed-Age Classroom

In most traditional classroom settings children are grouped together by age and grade. The entire class is led through a structured and scheduled curriculum based on a pre-determined pace of the average student. This is a very typical way for teachers to manage education in a normal kindergarten environment with multiple students. Many students can still thrive and progress through the materials at the expected pace. But, inevitably, some students will fall behind, discouraged and unenthusiastic, and others may become bored or disengaged by concepts they have already mastered. The Montessori solution to this teaching challenge is mixed-age classrooms. Here are the benefits of a mixed-age kindergarten classroom and how it can help your child thrive.

CALL NOW CONTACT US

Mixed-Age Classrooms Are Excellent For Kindergarten

Students

Mixed-age classrooms provide more space for children to progress and succeed at their own pace; one of the cornerstones of a Montessori education. Here are just some of the benefits your child will experience as they journey through the kindergarten curriculum in a mixed-age classroom.

Children In Mixed-Age Classrooms Help Each Other Grow
In a mixed-age classroom environment, there is a great opportunity for children to lead each other and to be led. Younger, preschool children will develop as they strive to be like their older classmates, mastering skills to mimic the older role models they admire. And for kindergarten students who take on the role of leaders and mentors to their younger peers, a great sense of responsibility, self-esteem, and pride is born.

Mixed-Age Classrooms Provide Stability
In the Montessori mixed-age model, children stay grouped together and with the same teacher throughout preschool and kindergarten. This allows the teacher to come to know each student comprehensively and to continue to personalize the child’s development, at the child’s pace, year after year. This stable learning environment also fosters a greater sense of community and allows children to build solid and lasting relationships with their fellow students.

Mixed-Age Classrooms Boost Academic Outcomes
In a mixed-age classroom, learning opportunities are not only created by the teacher, but also among the student group. Preschool students are exposed to advanced learning concepts in the mixed-age environment. This can spark interest in curriculum topics they would not otherwise learn until in kindergarten themselves. Older, kindergarten students will also be re-exposed to concepts they learned the year prior. And when helping their younger peers, will actually re-teach and reinforce those concepts for themselves. The breadth of topics and subjects covered in a mixed-age classroom provides greater opportunity for students to progress at their own pace too. Those who are older, but may need more time to master a skill will not be alienated from their peers. Instead, they can just join other students (even if they are younger) to keep working. And those who have acquired certain skills are free to move ahead, even if the majority of their peers still need more time.

Mixed-Age Classrooms Mimic Real-Life
After we leave grade school, how often are we grouped together by age? The answer is rarely or never. It is important to build the competencies necessary to interact with others who may be older and younger, more skilled and less skilled, more advanced and less advanced. Helping students learn to navigate situations where people range in age, ability, education, experience, and authority is very beneficial and children will thrive when they develop the skills to establish their own unique place in any group setting.

Let Your Child Thrive In A Mixed-Age Montessori

Kindergarten Program

In a Montessori mixed-age kindergarten classroom, your child will benefit from a leadership role, the ability to progress through a kindergarten curriculum at their own pace, the stability of solid relationships with teachers and peers, and the sense of community in an environment of all ages and abilities.

To explore more about why Montessori mixes students, read 5 Reasons Why Montessori Schools Have Mixed-age Classes. And for the benefits of mixed-age classrooms for preschoolers, read How A Mixed Age Preschool Classroom Can Benefit Your Child.

If you are interested in exploring the advantages of a Grey Matter Montessori education and a mixed-age classroom environment for your kindergarten-aged child, take a virtual tour, then contact us to book a time for a live school tour at our NW Calgary location. We are accessible just off of Symons Valley Parkway in the NW community of Evanston. Call us for more info on our Calgary Montessori kindergarten programming at 587-707-4739.

FAQ

Q: Does Grey Matter Montessori follow the Alberta kindergarten curriculum?
A: Our curriculum is based on the principles of a Montessori education and our kindergarten program meets and exceeds all kindergarten learning outcomes as set out by the government of Alberta.

Q: What is the age range of children in a Montessori mixed-age classroom?
A: Children in the Grey Matter Montessori classroom range in age from 3-6 with some exceptions for 2-year-olds who will turn three before November of the current school year.

Q: When do you accept registration?
A: Grey Matter Montessori has ongoing registration and even offers advanced registrations (up to two years). Contact our office for more information on the upcoming school year and register as early as possible to ensure availability for your desired days and times.