Multi-age, mixed age or family grouping is a classroom situation where children are not segregated by age. In most situations, the school will separate into groups of similar age, but the group will span several 'grades'. The multi-age approach fits nicely with nongraded schooling, where children are treated as individuals and their skills are built from the starting point of where they are at, rather than what grade they are in.

Because of the variety of ages, it is natural for children to be observed as individuals, and not compared to their classmates. Children in any class vary in skill level a significant amount. In a multi-age group it seems normal for skill levels to vary. As a result, each child's self confidence is retained as each of their strengths is cherished. Cooperation amongst children to meet their learning needs is a natural consequence of this environment. Learning becomes a celebration.

Children's strengths in various areas are acknowledged when they teach other children. Special needs can be met individually and in small groups without harsh feelings. Children can remain creative and strong and can look to each other for support and help.

Children in a nongraded situation need not depend on others for recognition. They become self-reliant, self-motivated learners. Most importantly, they learn how to learn (the best way for them) and retain that knowledge for life.

In summary, multi-age grouping in a nongraded context involves:

• the education of more than one age group in one place
• younger children looking up to older children and wanting to know what they know
• children teaching children and working together for mutual benefit
• each child's strengths and individual needs being acknowledged and addressed
• children being self-reliant, self-motivated learners
• cooperation and collaboration outweighing competition
• grades and grading being unimportant or non-existent
• children's creativity being encouraged to flourish
• a celebration of learning within a natural community of learners

"Expecting all children the same age to learn from the same materials is like expecting all children the same age to wear the same size clothing." Madeline Hunter

"Education is... Hanging around until you've caught on." Robert Frost

LINKS:
Information about multi-age grouping from an experienced teacher.
First hand accounts on multi-age grouping from teachers. Includes research.