Why mixed age groups?
If classroom equipment is to be challenging enough to provoke a learning response, it must be properly matched with the standard to which an individual child has already developed in their past experience. This experience is so varied that the most satisfying choice can usually offer them the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of graded materials. The child can grow as their interests lead them through one level of complexity to another. Having children ages three through six together permits the younger children to learn by example from the older children, and the older ones an opportunity to reinforce their own knowledge, become leaders, and grow in self esteem by helping the younger ones. Why do children usually come 5 days a week? Early childhood specialists agree that young children thrive in a secure, consistent environment with a steady routine. Young children adjust very well to this schedule and bond most easily with their teachers and peers when they have at least four
