Transcript Multiage Grades 1, 2, 3

Multiage Grades 1, 2, 3
Heather Anello
Ann Marie Oliverio
Rebecca Orsi
Bobbi Sikoski
Primary Education Center
2008
History of Multiage
 Began as “one-room”
schoolhouses
 As the nations
population grew,
students were divided
into grades according
to their age - out of
convenience (everyone
could use the same
curriculum and
textbooks)
What is Multiage?
 A classroom is comprised of students of mixed ages. Children
spend the entire three years with a team of teachers that is
truly a family unit.
 It promotes unity, diversity and success through
developmentally appropriate educational practices according to
how children learn best.
 Multiage focuses on abilities not deficiencies, with an emphasis
on differentiated learning.
 Environment provides for community building.
How Children Learn
 Children learn as a
whole person
 They are active, not
passive learners
 They learn through
play, social interaction,
and imitation
How Children learn
cont….

Students learn and
construct knowledge
as a result of
meaningful
experiences

Skills and concepts are
developed and
enhanced through
child and teacher
initiated activities
What does the educational research say
about Multiage classes?

promotes positive emotional and social
growth which enhances leadership
qualities

encourages team building and
cooperative grouping for students and
teachers

students do as well on academic
measurements as single grade students

strong family involvement and
commitment

research also suggests that students in
multiage settings were found to have:
 Higher self-esteem
 Less anti-social behavior
 Better attitudes towards school
Our Research-Based Components for
Instruction
The Whole Child: Mind, Body, Social, Emotional, and
Academic Growth
Brain-Based Learning,Choice Theory (5 basic needs),
Multiple Intelligences, Differentiated Instruction,
Cooperative Learning, Thematic Units of Instruction
How is it different from a single grade
classroom?



Time - teachers really get to
know a student’s needs over
time.
Curriculum for the Whole Child
- Physical, social, emotional,
and intellectual domains
Allows for growth over
time….the Elementary
Curriculum is presented over a
three year span and is
reinforced systematically to
allow for developmental
differences
How does the teacher
teach a three year span of
the curriculum?
 Instruction is made up of whole, interest, ability, and special need
based groupings
 Groups are flexible and change as often needed
 Teaming - just as students work collaboratively, so do the teachers
 Curriculum in a cycle of instruction which eliminates teaching
material that has already been covered
 Thematic Approach - helps to provide differentiated instruction and
customized learning
Why Offer a Multiage Program at the
Primary Education Center?
 Choice-diversified
grouping provides
students with other ways
to learn and grow…
 Teachers choose to teach
in a family unit coteaching with other
professionals who have
similar philosophies in
teaching practice
How does a student get into the
multiage program ?
 Parent request
 Teacher request
 Student request
Common Concerns
 Noise Level
Silence is not a pre-condition
of learning. Many activities
require the children to
discuss their learning with
their peers
 Movement Around
the Classroom
Movement around the
classroom is encouraged,
and indeed many activities
require the students to move
from one area to another.
This type of environment
promotes an activity based
learning experience, which
can accommodate all
children’s learning styles.
Concerns continued…
 Is there structure?
“Structure refers to the extent to
which teachers develop an
instructional plan, then organize the
physical setting and social
environment to support the
achievement of education goals.
(Spodeck, Saracho, and Davis,
1991)
Our students work towards
instructional goals and can be
active, but not unstructured. This
overall environment creates a
flexible, stimulating classroom.
Concerns cont….
 Are we preparing the students for the
New York State Assessments?
YES! While planning, we use our
curriculum reference guides and the
New York State Standards
A Multiage environment encourages
different-aged children to bring an
array of physical, mental, and social
experiences to the classroom setting.
Just the way most real-life
settings are!
Working Together in Multiage