Multi-age+Classroom

What is a multi-age classroom?
One Definition: (as listed in __Exploring the Multiage Classroom__ by Anne A. Bingham) - (Janet - check proper bibliography)
 * "A multiage classroom is one in which the developmental range is wider than that in a single-grade classroom...children's developmental diversity is celebrated, valued as part of a natural community of learners, and is harnessed in subtle ways to support learning...It is not a classroom where a (for example) "second-grade" curriculum and a "first-grade curriculum" go on simultaneously. All children may work on the same topic but in different ways or at their own individual speed." (p.6-8)

All classrooms include students working at varying levels and, as educators, we address each student's individual needs. Therefore, philosophies defining the multi-age classroom can in fact be used in every classroom.

Some Beliefs That Guide Multi-age Teaching
(as listed in __Exploring the Multiage Classroom__ by Anne A. Bingham)
 * A belief in child-centered learning
 * A belief that active, convrete learning experiences are essential for young children
 * A belief in the importance of community
 * A belief that many kinds of learning are essential
 * A belief that human interaction, including conversation, supports rather than detracts from learning
 * A belief that continuity in the school setting is of value to young children
 * A belief that the traditional role of schools in society remains important
 * A belief that children's progress should be assessed by looking at their own growth rather than by comparing them with others in their age group
 * A belief that the learner can be trusted
 * A belief that the teacher is also a learner
 * A belief that a wider-than-usual range of ages best supports these convictions

What does the research say about multi-age classrooms?
As written in //Exploring the Multiage Classroom// by Anne A. Bingham: "The Canadian study includes a review of research literature and also questionnaires to teachers and administrators across Canada. Its summary of research states: "Do children get as good an education in a multi-grade classroom as they do in a single-grade one? The answer is 'yes'. The data bear out the findings of research about the many positive aspects of teaching and learning in a multi-grade class." In fact, it is more than "as good" in the realm of psychosocial development, where "researchers generally agree that students in multi-grade classes tended to be higher or better than those in single-grade classes in the following affective areas: study habits, social interaction, self-motivation, co-operation, and attitudes toward school." Studies of academic achievement showed that children from multigrade classes perform just as well or better on achievement tests than those from a single-grade setting." (p.9) ~KK

What does/can learning look like in a multi-age classroom?

 * Link to a photo album - (Flickr) or upload small photos to this website.
 * Send in a photo of your classroom (a task, centre, or corner) that visually defines what a multi-age classroom means to you?

Peek Into A Typical Day in one Early Years Multi-age Classroom
Click on the hyperlinks (bold print) below to see more details... Powerpoint Files to hyperlink to: Reader's Workshop & Writer's Workshop: link to - Math Workshop: link to - Theme / Inquiry Centres: link to - Community Building: link to -
 * DAYS 1, 3, 5 TEACHER: Mrs. Klenk || DAYS 2, 4, 6 TEACHER: Ms Weaver ||
 * 8:30 Daily Edit / Word Families || 8:30 Journal ||
 * 9:00 **Reader's Workshop** || 9:00 **Writer's Workshop** ||
 * 10:00 Recess || 10:00 Recess ||
 * 10:15 Music / Gym || 10:15 Music / Gym ||
 * LUNCH || LUNCH ||
 * 12:15 **Math Workshop** || 12:15 **Math Workshop** ||
 * 1:15 **Theme / Inquiry Centres** || 1:15 **Theme / Inquiry Centres** ||
 * 1:45 Recess || 1:45 Recess ||
 * 2:00 **Theme / Inquiry Centres** || 2:00 **Theme / Inquiry Centres** ||
 * 2:30 Independent Reading / **Community Building** || 2:30 Printing & Handwriting / **Community Building** ||
 * 3:00 Dismissal || 3:00 Dismissal ||
 * All the content on this page can be edited/changed/approved by MAME Exec. at a later date. This is just something to start with. ~KK
 * Reference the book Exploring the Multiage Classroom. - JD - Should it also be on the Resources page?