From the age
of three on, Montessori students are in multi-age classrooms. They remain in
the same classroom for three years, moving from being the youngest to the
oldest in their classroom community. This approach is beneficial for students
in a variety of ways. Older students act as teachers, showing younger children
how to do things, which reinforces their own learning. Younger peers are often
motivated to learn by seeing what others can accomplish. They also can learn from
observing those who are just ahead of them in skills. Another benefit is that children
can progress at their own pace without grade level stigma and can take on
challenges they are ready for without having to wait until the next school year.
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Over the three-year period, the teacher is able to observe and support each
individual child’s growth. This intimate knowledge of the child allows the
teacher to individualize instruction by offering the child opportunities to
accelerate or deepen learning in areas of special interest. The familiarity of
a stable environment supports risk-taking, which is essential for learning to
occur.
The basis for
the multi-age classroom is Montessori’s observation-based theory of human
development.