Why mixed age groups in a Montessori classroom?
In the Montessori classroom, children are given the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of graded materials allowing them to grow as their interests lead them from one level of complexity to another. By having children of mixed ages, it gives the younger children a graded series of models for imitation as well as giving the older children the opportunity to reinforce their knowledge by helping the younger ones. Broader educational fields recognise the value of mixed ages in catering to childrens needs that was pioneered by Maria Montessori 100 years ago.
