Multi-Age Classes

The Montessori classroom is not merely a place for individual learning. It is a vibrant community of children, where the child learns to interact socially in a variety of ways.

The “ages and sexes mix.” The older children will teach the younger children and learn much themselves. This is an inspiration and furthermore, each child works at his/her own pace, unhindered by competition and encouraged by co-operation.

At our Montessori pre-school, there are mixed age children, two and half years old to six years of age. This affords maximum stimulation for the young child, enabling him or her to imitate and internalise skills before he or she even receives the three period lesson.
The classroom has a heritage. Knowledge and behaviour are passed on from one level to the next. The oldest children provide leadership, reliable friendships and academic learning.

The older child benefits from helping the younger. He/she reinforces his/her knowledge by teaching the younger child. He/she can humanise their character by empathising with the needs of children who are smaller and more expressive.