Multi-Age Groupings in the Early Years

Jane Heath teaches psychology at Ryerson Polytechnical University in
Toronto.

Multi-age grouping refers to a classroom modeled on the on the natural
learning within a family grouping, as opposed to a traditional
split-grade approach. The authors of this book maintain that learning
that is “developmental, active, integrated, collaborative, continuous,
and socially interactive” is most likely to occur in a multi-age
classroom.

In addition to discussing the rationale for and advantages of multi-age
grouping, the authors provide a detailed outline of the mechanics of
setting up and running such a classroom, describing the various learning
centres necessary for an optimal classroom learning environment.
Required materials, developmental milestones, effective classroom
management, assessment and evaluation, and timetabling are among the
topics addressed. This admirably clear, stimulating, and thorough book
is highly recommended to educators who are interested in or involved
with multi-age grouping.