The Multiage Classroom
What is a Multi-age Classroom?
One Definition: (as listed in Exploring the Multiage Classroom by Anne A. Bingham) -
- “A [multi-age] classroom is one in which the developmental range is wider than that in a single-grade classroom…children’s developmental diversity is celebrated, valued as part of a natural community of learners, and is harnessed in subtle ways to support learning…It is not a classroom where a (for example) “second-grade” curriculum and a “first-grade curriculum” go on simultaneously. All children may work on the same topic but in different ways or at their own individual speed.” (p.6-8)
All classrooms include students working at varying levels and, as educators, we address each student’s individual needs. Therefore, philosophies defining the multi-age classroom can in fact be used in every classroom.
Some Beliefs that Guide Multi-age Teaching
(as listed in Exploring the Multiage Classroom by Anne A. Bingham)
- A belief in child-centered learning
- A belief that active, concrete learning experiences are essential for young children
- A belief in the importance of community
- A belief that many kinds of learning are essential
- A belief that human interaction, including conversation, supports rather than detracts from learning
- A belief that continuity in the school setting is of value to young children
- A belief that the traditional role of schools in society remains important
- A belief that children’s progress should be assessed by looking at their own growth rather than by comparing them with others in their age group
- A belief that the learner can be trusted
- A belief that the teacher is also a learner
- A belief that a wider-than-usual range of ages best supports these convictions
What does the Research say about Multi-age Classrooms?
As written in Exploring the Multiage Classroom by Anne A. Bingham:
“The Canadian study includes a review of research literature and also questionnaires to teachers and administrators across Canada. Its summary of research states: “Do children get as good an education in a multi-grade classroom as they do in a single-grade one? The answer is ‘yes’. The data bear out the findings of research about the many positive aspects of teaching and learning in a multi-grade class.” In fact, it is more than “as good” in the realm of psychosocial development, where “researchers generally agree that students in multi-grade classes tended to be higher or better than those in single-grade classes in the following affective areas: study habits, social interaction, self-motivation, co-operation, and attitudes toward school.” Studies of academic achievement showed that children from multigrade classes perform just as well or better on achievement tests than those from a single-grade setting.” (p.9)
What does/can Learning Look Like in a Multi-age Classroom?
- Send in a photo of your classroom (a task, centre, or corner) that visually defines what a multi-age classroom means to you?
Peek into a Typical Day in one Early Years Multi-age Classroom
| DAYS 1, 3, 5 Teacher: Mrs. Klenk | DAYS 2, 4, 6 Teacher: Ms Weaver |
| 8:30 Daily Edit / Word Families | 8:30 Journal |
| 9:00 Reader’s Workshop | 9:00 Writer’s Workshop |
| 10:00 Recess | 10:00 Recess |
| 10:15 Music / Gym | 10:15 Music / Gym |
| LUNCH | LUNCH |
| 12:15 Math Workshop | 12:15 Math Workshop |
| 1:15 Theme / Inquiry Centres | 1:15 Theme / Inquiry Centres |
| 1:45 Recess | 1:45 Recess |
| 2:00 Theme / Inquiry Centres | 2:00 Theme / Inquiry Centres |
| 2:30 Independent Reading / Community Building | 2:30 Printing & Handwriting / Community Building |
| 3:00 Dismissal | 3:00 Dismissal |
Themocracy
Hi there,
I am the principal of a rural school who has started the multi age route and will be going full school implementation next year. We have two in school inservice days this year and would like to have a consultant/speaker to come and work with our teachers. Please feel free to contact me via email or by phone. 204 636 2266
Thanks you
Laurie
Hello Laurie!
I have forwarded your email to our executive and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Michelle
Hi Michelle. I too need help regarding multiage teaching. I am a reading coach, never taught multiage classroom. I panicked when I was asked what should a multiage classroom look like today with all of the common core standards having to be implemented and students learning at all different levels? Wow! The teachers have been in this role for a few years until common core standards changed instruction. I will respond to them at our next professional development. Meanwhile I am doing my own research on this. I would appreciate whatever resources you can have to share. I am on the Navajo Indian reservation in northern Arizona. The student at this particular school are ELL-monolingual speakers. Can you help me? Thank you very much.
Marty
Hello Marty!
We would strongly suggest looking into contacting Dr. Sharon Stone at the National Multiage Institute in Arizona. There is a conference in Arizona in October that may be beneficial and I’ve provided the link to the website below.
Good luck and thanks for contacting us!
Michelle
http://nau.edu/COE/About/Projects/Southwest-Multiage-Conference/
I am a teacher in a multiage classroom. I am looking for a classroom to observe next year as part of my professional development. I don’t have any personal friends who are multiage teachers, and would like some help with this.
Hello Miryam! Thank you for your comment and question. We are looking forward to working with you and finding a classroom to observe. We will get back to you about a placement that works. What grade do you teach?