Skip to main content
Log in

A multiage-grouping success story

  • Articles
  • Published:
Early Childhood Education Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

How children organize themselves in play reflects groupings found in society. Multiage grouping in schools reflects the same. Multiage grouping is grouping children of multiple ages, at least one year apart, for instruction. With renewed interest in this practice comes anxiety for teachers who contemplate such a change. Some questions teachers often ask include: How do I get started?, and How do I organize the day? This article is the success story of one teacher as she began her multiaged classroom. Perhaps her story can answer some questions and serve as a beginning model for others.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • American Association of School Administrators. (1992).The nongraded primary: Making schools fit children. Arlington, VA: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Katz, L. G., Evangelou, D., & Hartman, J. A. (1990).The case for mixed-age grouping in early education. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pavan, B. N. (1992). The benefits of nongraded schools.Educational Leadership, 50(2), 22–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Theilheimer, R. (1993). Something for everyone: Benefits of mixedage grouping for children, parents, and teachers.Young Children, 48(5), 82–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb, T. B. (1992). Multi-age grouping in the early years: Building upon children's developmental strengths.Kappa Delta Pi Record, 28(3), 90–92.

    Google Scholar 

For Further Reading

  • Bredekamp, S. (Ed.) (1987).Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodlad, J. I., & Anderson, R. H. (1987).The nongraded elementary school. New York: Teachers College Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lodish, R. (1992). The pros and cons of mixed-age grouping.Principal, 71(6), 20–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Milburn, D. (1981). A study of multi-age or family-grouped classrooms.Phi Delta Kappan, 62(7), 513–514.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

McLain, K.V.M., Heaston, A. & Kitchens, T. A multiage-grouping success story. Early Childhood Educ J 23, 85–88 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02353398

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02353398

Key Words

Navigation