Robin’s Nest is a Mixed-Age Group Environment

Learning in a mixed-age group environment is not a new idea. This concept is currently emerging as an area of considerable interest to early childhood educators. The age range among children in mixed-age groups is usually larger than one year, in anticipation that the differences among the children provide a greater depth of intellectual and social advantages. The intention is to capitalize on the difference in age, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the children. Mixed-age groupings have been a practice in Montessori programs, in the schools of Reggio Emilia, and in one-room schoolhouses for many years. Mixed-aged groups also reflect the principles of early childhood education philosophers Dewey, Piaget, Gardner and Vygotsky.

Developmental Advantages of a Mixed-Age Group 

Advocates of mixed-aged groups point to a number of developmental advantages when children interact with peers above and below their age level.

Some of these advantages are:

• The child’s own developmental level and pace are accommodated, allowing children to advance as they are ready.
• Age and competition are deemphasized, as cooperative learning is enhanced.
• Caring and helping behaviors toward younger children and a sense of responsibility toward one another are fostered.
• Diverse learning styles are appreciated.
• A variety and number of different models for learning and for friendships are available.
• Children grow in independence in their work and in socialization.
• Cooperation, sharing, and giving help to one another are more frequent.
• Younger children participate in and contribute to more complex projects and activities than they would otherwise.
• Older children help and assist the younger ones with guidance from teachers.
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