Discusses how early childhood programs offer a wealth of opportunities for intergenerational experiences. Describes the benefits of intergenerational programs for children, teachers, and parents; offers tips for building a successful program; and provides some options for creating different kinds of programs. Outlines nine factors to consider…

In nongraded, multi-age classrooms, children have the opportunity to learn a great deal from their more proficient classmates. Children in multi-age, nongraded programs often learn that children differ, and they learn to assist each other in productive ways. The organizational scheme has the potential to remove much of the competition of…

This compilation of resource materials includes ERIC Digests, worksheets and short articles. The eight chapters cover: (1) "Readiness/Kindergarten"; (2) "Multiyear Education"; (3) " Extra Learning Time"; (4) "Teaching Across the Curriculum"; (5) " Learning and Understanding"; (6) "Behavior and…

Based on the experience of two early childhood teachers in a research-based collaborative effort to join a preschool class with a first-second grade class for various learning projects, this book offers a model for an approach to early childhood curriculum. The curriculum integrates art, science, gardening, celebrations, intergenerational program…

Examines the advantages of teaching in a multiage elementary classroom and discusses specific techniques that work well with children of different ages and abilities. Suggests that teachers need to integrate material as much as possible, balance large- and small-group activities, and utilize cooperative teams made up of students from each age…

Discusses the benefits of mixed-age grouping for children's social and cognitive development and reservations parents sometimes have about mixed-age groupings. Also discusses issues that teachers need to consider when implementing mixed-age groups: children's personal care routines; furnishings; children's language, motor, creative, and social…

This paper discusses the process involved in a change in curriculum at the Leafy Wood State School of Australia. The change involved most children who began attending the school in 1985 and 1986 (about 180 children aged 5, 6, and 7 years), their parents, 8 teachers, and the school administration team. The decision to change the style of curriculum…

Describes a block play activity undertaken in a kindergarten through second-grade multiage classroom, in which children used blocks and various other props to construct and operate an imaginary snack shop. Discusses the benefits of block play and guidelines for teachers to follow in establishing block play activities. (MDM)

This volume provides an examination of the theoretical basis for preschool through elementary school multiage grouping, a realistic picture of what it looks like, some guidelines for planning and implementing a multiage model, and recommendations from practicing multiage teachers. Chapter 1 defines multiage grouping and provides a brief history of…

Multiage grouping is one way schools can organize around students and their learning. In multiage grouping, students of different chronological ages are intentionally assigned to the same classroom. Multiage grouping may also be called "mixed age." Other terms, such as "nongraded,""ungraded,""multigrade," or "split-grade," are often used…

A multiyear, multiage experience, combined with what is known about collaborative learning, learning styles, and multiple intelligences, grouping practices, and the success of inclusion in such a setting, promises to give all children a real opportunity for success in the classroom. Many schools have implemented multiage programs successfully, but…

This short booklet describes Montessori elementary education methods, materials, and environments. The booklet discusses 6-year-olds as inquisitive individuals seeking to make sense of their existence and experiences. It also presents a cosmic educational perspective which emphasizes a global world view. Storytelling is discussed as a way to…

This guidebook integrates basic strategies for developing a multiage-classroom design. The book begins by describing developmentally appropriate practice (DAP), which is based on a curriculum and an instructional-delivery methodology that address the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic needs of young students. Students are…

This document consists of four issues of a newsletter for educators at the elementary level. Each issue focuses on a theme and includes an article on that theme, along with regular columns. The Fall 1997 issue focuses on using writer's clubs to encourage student writing. The news column for this issue discusses HIV in schools, and the vice…

It is useful to think of teachers and students in primary classrooms as a family, where flexibility and meeting individual needs are essential. These "families" should represent all primary age groups. This guide describes how to implement multi-age and multi-ability primary programs in Kentucky schools based on the requirements of the…