Montessori: Multi-age group environments

Meeting parents on a regular basis, has given us a little insight on what goes on in the heads of a the parent when they come to seek admission in Ayelet Montessori (or any Montessori for that matter). They might not ask us directly, but we can see they have some queries, and one of the most common issues is 'Why does my 3 year has to work in a class with 5-6 year olds?'

Globally, Montessori classrooms have children across 3 years, be it primary (3-6 years), lower elementary (6-9 years old) or upper elementary (9-12 years old).

Here is what Dr. Montessori says about the multi-age setup:

“Our schools have shown how children of different ages help one another. The younger ones watch what the older ones are doing and ask all kinds of questions, and the older ones explain. This is really useful teaching, for the way that a five year old interprets and explains things is so much nearer than ours to the mind of a child of three that the little ones learns easily, whereas we would scarcely be able to get through to him. There is harmony and communication between them that is not possible between an adult and such a young child. There is a natural mental osmosis between them."

"People are concerned about whether a child of five who is always helping other children will make sufficient progress himself. But, firstly, he doesn’t spend his whole time teaching, but has his own freedom and knows how to use it. Secondly, teaching really allows him to consolidate and strengthen his own knowledge, which he must analyze and use anew each time, so that he comes to see everything with greater clarity. The older child also gains from this exchange.”

Children are extremely observant, in Montessori, children clearly observe their older friends at work. They closely notice all things the older children do, be it working with more complex material, interacting with guides and other children, etc. Younger children also learn cognitive and social skills from the older ones. When a young child interacts and observes an older child in the environment, s/he takes his/her friend as a role model. They actually aspire to be like the older child.

The older children in exchange are unknowingly working on their mentoring and leadership skills and they are also becoming extremely responsible. If you speak to a 5 or 6 year old in a Montessori environment, they feel extremely happy and proud when they are able to assist a younger child. This also of course develops a sense of confidence in the older student.

Montessori classrooms are more diverse and we work as a community, as a unit. Children (older and younger) become extremely supportive, very respectful and great collaborators. This also works at eliminating any form of jealousy or competitiveness;it works at overall social development as well. You will be amazed to see how beautifully these children interact on a daily basis. 

Many parents believe a multi-age class might give rise to bullying, unfortunately, bullying can happy in any classroom. Since Montessori works on the overall development of a child, a well functioning multi-age environment can work wonders for your child. Also, because in a Montessori environment, we work as a community, respect for everyone in the environment is something every child believes in.

If you have any queries on this topic, or want us to cover anything on the Ayelet Montessori blog, do mention in the comment box below.