Montessori and Mixed Age Classrooms
A Montessori Classroom is very different from a regular classroom . A mixed age classroom is one of the most important principles of Montessori method of education. Dr. Maria Montessori believed children learn better from their peers rather than a teacher. Mixed age classrooms usually cater to students from the age of 3-6 years , 6-9 years and so on.
Dr. Maria Montessori observed that a young children definitely looks up to older children and try to do what the older children are doing. Even if they are not able exactly do what the older child has done, still they put in a lot of effort to do it.
Importance of Mixed Age classrooms :
Helps in developing Leadership qualities in older children :
In today's day and it is very important to work together in teams or groups. In teams, everyone has to listen to the team leader and report to him. Montessori method of Education, instills the leadership qualities in a child from a very young age. The older children feel responsible and confident. It also makes them disciplined as it teaches them to complete their task or activity on time. In case the younger children face any difficulty, the older children help them.
Working together in a group :
Montessori Method of education teaches children to work together in groups for certain activities and help each other. Working in groups teaches them that the whole group is responsible for anything so they need to work hand in hand . Children tend to make group rules sometimes and each group member has to follow the rules.
Eliminates Competition :
As all children are mostly working independently on different activities, there is no competition among children and they complete their activity or task without any stress or pressure.
Makes the children sensitive and considerate :
It makes the children considerate and compassionate towards the needs of their peers.They learn to help their peers and not make fun of them if they have done something wrong.
Children learn to strive for better :
In a mixed age classroom, children get an opportunity to see and observe what the other children are doing. This helps them to think and do better.
Teachers have fun too :
In a mixed age classroom, not only the students but the teacher also gets to interact with students of different age groups. They enjoy the different kinds of interaction from varied aged students.
‘This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.’
https://www.theblogchatter.
is a part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
My grandson was in Montessori and yes, older kids with younger ones really brings out kids' responsibilities. They love it!
ReplyDeleteYou are explaining Montessori Education so well through these helpful posts, Simrit. They will be a great help to parents.
ReplyDeleteA well researched and very well written post. What I liked most is your experience and knowledge how brilliantly they're all pit together. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteSwarnali
This is such a lovely post. I think you've put great effort to write the article. I think mixed age classrooms make older students more responsible which is very important nowadays. And kids also enjoy such classes.
ReplyDeleteThese posts are helpful, Simrit. Mixed age classroom concept could have various benefits for a child's overall development.
ReplyDeleteMy child studies in a Montessori school. They have adapted beautifully to online classes by recreating the Montessori classroom at home. I can relate to all the benefits you've outlined here.
ReplyDeleteI always wondered about Montessori. Thank you for explaining it so well. I am sure it is a great way of teaching.
ReplyDeleteI've never actually used only Montessori ways for my kids but do keep a mix of it. Want to enroll my son in Montessori school in future.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to see Montessori Education finally getting its due. It is much better than the regular education system we have now. Teaching should not be limited to book knowledge.
ReplyDeleteVery well written and explained. Thanks for sharing this informative post.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great way of learning for kids...a lot of schools have adopted these techniques in varying levels..i hope schools open soon...children R silent victims tonthe pandemic...
ReplyDeleteYour posts on the Montessori method have been really informative, Simrit. Mixed age classrooms would be unheard of in the traditional method. But it is a great way of teaching.
ReplyDeleteMontessori methods are effective and can see the kids empowering with the methodology. Having mixed age group can do wonders and you have mentioned all in the post very well. Children do learn from their peers and it is a good way to instil life values in them.
ReplyDeleteI taught craft to kids for a while. I can vouch that having kids in different age group helps. They way they can grasp what is taught with how the they observe their friends is great.
ReplyDeleteWell said Simrit, Montessori Education and it's modern concept are so helpful in nurturing the small kid's mind and personality.
ReplyDeleteDr. Maria Montessori has come up with multiple intelligence theory which are adopted my many schools as it segregate kids based on their intelligence not their age. It has numerous benefits and you have covered almost all.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely post simrit. My daughter being the eldest in the class enjoys spending time anleaibg with her younger peers
ReplyDeleteWell written post about mixed age-group class in Montessori method of schooling. Children definitely learn better from their peers than from the teachers, I vouch for it.
ReplyDeleteI had no clue this was a part of Montessori...mixed age range. Did not know some of these benefits but now that you have mentioned it makes sense ... eliminates compitition that definitely seems like a condusive environment for learning
ReplyDeleteThis post is helpful, Simrit. Having mixed age group can do anything and you have mentioned all points in the post very well..Loved it.
ReplyDeleteI am a Montessori Parent and I can vouch for all your points Simrit.
ReplyDeleteI'm a teacher and being a teacher I agree with your words..
ReplyDeleteMontessori has always fascinated me since I was introduced to it just before my son was about to start school. I have seen its wonderful results in a lab we created within our regular school setup. Doing a full-fledged training has been on my bucket-list of to-do things forever. With this post of yours, I am more inclined to finally take the plunge and train. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI did not know about Montessori learning until reading your posts. Mixed learning is a great opportunity for both age groups to eliminate competition and learn responsibility for each other. You are really well researched in these methods.
ReplyDeleteI did not know the mixed age classroom principles of Montessori method of education. It sure has lot of benefits for young kids. They can learn a lot by Watching older kids.
ReplyDeleteI am not aware of Montessori method of education. But if younger and older students are together they can learn a lot.
ReplyDelete