Blog Post
Multi-age Monday: 20 Month Planning
January 29, 2023
At first teaching two or more grade levels in the same classroom can seem overwhelming, however, with a 20-month plan, the task can be more manageable. As a multi-age educator, our task is not to teach both curriculums simultaneously, instead it about teaching both curriculums over a 20 month loop. There are many ways to do this:
- Different grade level strands each year
o For example; grade 1 main themes first year, followed by grade 2 themes the next. Repeat
- A mix of box
o For example; choosing to combine specific themes for a natural progression during the year. In grade ¾ you may choose:
- Science:
• Year 1: soils in the environment (3), rocks minerals and erosion (4) growth and changes in plants (3), habitats and communities (4)
• Year 2: light (4), sound (4), Materials and structures (3), and forces that attract or repel (3)
Some teachers are consistent with all subjects, some teachers do a mix of either idea depending on what works best for them.
Using a 20-month plan allows for teachers to ensure over an extended period of time all main concepts are covered. In order to help plan main topics for math, science, and social studies we recommend using the Curriculum Essential guides https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/essentials/index.html. The next step is to take the essential outcomes and/or main themes, cut them up or use sticky notes and use large paper to organize your ideas before transferring your ideas onto a specific plan for each subject area and year.
For more information on a year plan: https://www.beingteachers.ca/year-plans#:~:text=Year%20plans%20provide%20a%20general,talking)%20goes%20only%20so%20far. There is an easy-to-follow template and examples provided on the website.
A last note on 20-month planning, considering E.L.A. and math. These integral focused subjects are often based on where each student instructional level is. Core skills will be taught each year and repeated, however, projects, themes, class read alouds, or activities may change year to year to ensure students are progressively learning at their level without repetitive work.
Here is a quick example of a rough plan in the first stages of development for grade 7 and 8. Notice similar aspects, with changes in themes. A few large topics such as poetry and short stories are flip-flopped year to year.
New The best part of having a 20-month plan is that it is only a plan! In order to meet the needs of our students year to year, we need to be flexible. These outlines allow us to focus on what is important and realize we have a long time to cover the necessary topics as well as assist our students in their own learning journey.