Why are children between the ages of 3 and 5 combined in one class? How do you challenge the children in classes with mixed age groups?
Children 2 years and 10 months through 6 years of age all learn in a very specific way. They need concrete, hands-on activities that engage both the body and the mind. This is necessary, as they do not yet think abstractly. Of course, the 3-year-old and the 4- or 5-year-old are not practicing or mastering the same skills. That is why there is such a broad range of activities in the environment. In addition, the younger children learn by seeing what the older children are doing. The older children reinforce their learning by being guides to the younger children. In addition, this allows for a great deal of beneficial socialization and positive problem solving. A safe, respectful, and well-supervised environment allows children to engage in playing, working, and just getting along with a diversified group of children. Younger children can interact with older children without being overwhelmed. Older children can exercise their nurturing skills with younger children. All of this interacti
