Children in our 1st - 2nd Multiage program stay with us for two years. This allows them to be more comfortable with their teachers and other students in the class, especially in the second year. Learning is based on small group instruction at each child's individual level and also larger groups for specific grade level instruction. Each child has a homeroom teacher for the purpose of record keeping and parent-teacher communications. The homeroom is also where the children put their belongings. However, they will be working with both Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Moffit daily in different areas of learning.
We love multiage because:
1. We get to know children and their families very well! The relationships we build together allow us to meet individual needs. We want families to know that we care not only about the academic progress of their children, but also about their emotional and social needs as well. Over the two year program, we become quite attached to our kids!
2. In the second year, we can pick up right where we left off! In the fall, we do not have to spend time getting to know the second graders so we can focus on learning right away. We already know what the kids can do and what they need to work on individually. They know us and know what to expect so it's a less stressful start than if they were switching to a new classroom and teacher.
3. We have the advantage of two teachers working together to plan lessons, solve problems, and create a learning environment in which children know what to expect and feel comfortable enough to take risks. We are all learners with different interests, strengths, and abilities. Having two teachers who work together well is a great model for kids to see. It's the whole "two heads are better than one" saying in action!
4. In the two years, the children have the opportunity to be the younger and then the older. In the first year, they can look to the older kids to help with things like where to find materials, how to read the schedule or the centers chart, or reminders of the directions for an assignment. In the second year, they will be the leaders in the group confidently taking on the helper role. In a sense, it's like the old fashioned schoolhouse, but with two grades, not several! We have a greater sense of community and responsibility to help one another succeed when we stress the importance of working together.
5. It works! Our scores on school-wide tests show that our class does at least as well, and often better, than the traditional single grade classes. We are proud of our students and glad to be able to offer the multiage program as an option in our school.
If you'd like to read more, check out this link for a thesis on multiage practices: http://multiageinfo.dnswh.com/thesis.htm