Multi-Age and More: Building Connections

Agnes C. Farrell is an elementary-school teacher in Richmond, B.C.

Colleen Politano and Anne Davies have provided leadership in education
for many years through workshops and writings that focus on
child-centred teaching. In this book, they show how the multiage
classroom (a synonym for family grouping) can enhance learning for all
students. They address not only teachers who have a multiage classroom
but also teachers of single-age classrooms, in which there is always a
wide range of skills, abilities, and interests.

This book is a comprehensive guide for schools considering multiage
classrooms. It includes suggestions on how to educate parents on the
benefits of this form of grouping; how to plan to make sure all
curriculum elements are covered; how to organize physical space,
materials, and supplies; how students can represent their learning; and
how to assess, evaluate, and report on this learning. It also provides
answers to the many questions asked about multiage schooling, and has
suggestions on how to keep parents informed about happenings in the
classroom.

While the book clearly states the theory behind the benefits of
multiage groupings, it also contains practical ideas that teachers in
all classrooms can implement. Several reproducible masters are included.
The authors show how to meet the needs of students with different skills
in all curriculum levels, and list almost 100 ways in which children can
demonstrate their learning.

Multiage or family grouping is a very controversial issue with many
parents, and few books have been written on the subject. Any school that
has, or is planning to have, multiage classrooms should have this book
available as a resource.