Describes the collaborative literacy activity that occurred in one teacher's sociodramatic play center in a multi-age classroom (K-2) and a kindergarten classroom. Finds the children in the multi-age group engaged in a larger amount and a broader range of collaborative literacy activities than did the kindergartners; and the collaborative…

A study investigated whether grade-level status affects learning through cross-age activities. Data were collected through unstructured and open-ended audiotaped interviews with 11 pairs of students in a combined third- and fifth-grade class. Coding and analysis of data revealed seven themes related to students' perceptions of their interactions…

Describes Project Friends, a mixed-age classroom of kindergartners, first graders, and second graders, including its beginnings, significant features (such as use of integrated thematic curriculum and "clubs"), and outcomes. Asserts that the program has empowered children for learning and encouraged helping relationships among children.…

Describes an environmental education project that featured 60 students in grades 5-8 divided into 4 multilevel cooperative groups of 15 students. Students participated in two full-day outings and project activities. Outlines six workstations set up for project activities. (LZ)

States that learning can shut down very quickly when learners are held back or pushed by grade-level constraints. Argues that multiage classrooms support each learner's continuous progress based on each child's experience, background, learning needs or strengths, and interests. (SR)

Advantages of multiage classrooms include improvements in student self-concept, attitudes toward school, leadership, and social skills; reduced discipline problems; and individualized instruction. Implementation problems include entrenched teacher attitudes, including overdependence on textbooks, and the extra teacher training and planning time…

Multiage grouping and related instructional practices are being implemented with increasing frequency in classrooms across the nation. If implementation is carefully and knowledgeably planned, these innovations offer promising alternatives to traditional graded educational practices. This digest briefly describes issues to be considered before…

Illustrates flexible grouping configurations, discussing how different perspectives and theories of peer learning are required to account for their intended effects. A classroom example is provided to illustrate each context discussed. The article also presents examples of an instructional strategy in one multiage classroom where the teachers…

Examines the social and emotional benefits for children in early childhood multiage classrooms and the strategies teachers implement to promote those developmental domains. Explores findings about the social and emotional advantages for students, and presents advantages and disadvantages from the multiage perspective. Reviews findings on…

This publication includes two papers by John Hollifield, three ERIC Digests and two ERIC resource lists on group learning, and a reprint of an ERIC search on cooperative learning in elementary and middle schools. The two papers are titled: (1) "Cooperative Learning in Elementary Schools: From Supplemental Instructional Practice to Schoolwide…

The process of implementing the successful Continuous Progress Program at Concrete Elementary School (Washington) included gathering information on multiage grouping, formulating a template for change, parent and community involvement, acceptance of diverse teaching styles and philosophies, and continuous reassessment. The basic strategies driving…

This paper describes one model of school reconstruction, which includes a professional development school, being implemented at Celebration School in Celebration, Florida. The description highlights the educational practices and daily learning experiences of students at Celebration. The narrative provides a picture of the philosophical foundation…

The Foxfire core practices are woven into all class activities at a multiage, inclusive K-2 class in Asheville (North Carolina), characterized by active learning, small-group work, and peer teaching. Students are more motivated and have higher self-esteem when they make decisions. All practices met the state's curriculum and testing requirements.…

This issue of the OSSC Bulletin explores problems encountered in implementing a closely associated group of educational innovations whose adoption has become increasingly common in recent years. This "family" of organizational and instructional practices includes non-age-graded organization, mixed-age grouping, developmentally appropriate…

Implementing best practices like cooperative learning, using concrete manipulatives, problem solving, technology, active learning, multi-age grouping, and team teaching have shown benefits for students when learning mathematics concepts within the curriculum (Zemelman, Daniels & Hyde, 1998; NCTM, 2000). What started as a professional development…