There is considerable evidence supporting multi-age groups for teaching.
We have always followed this approach and see many benefits:
• Teachers teach children at point of need rather than being confined by perceptions of age levels.
• Children can get access whatever help and teaching they need in flexible groupings.
• More able children tend to be fully extended.
• Children with difficulties feel more relaxed about accessing much needed questions and will ask questions more readily.
Essentially this is modelled on natural family groupings and honours the fact that we grow and mature at different times, sometimes with “spurts” and sometimes more slowly.
Teachers who teach this way develop the ability to be more flexible and use more learning games and “hands-on” equipment.
Of course teachers who teach in these environments need some support, coaching and modelling in this teaching method. It is like conducting an orchestra and once you know how, you just get better!
We believe the educational gains are great so if you have the chance to teach in a multi-age environment, take it! You have much to gain!
Parents who have the chance to enrol in multi-age classrooms or tuition centres- know your children are experiencing an excellent education mode and likely to have very tangible social and academic gains.
THE RITES OF SPRING FOR KIDS
Our kids at INTERNATIONAL CENTRE for EXCELLENCE are excited! The scent of SPRING has them dreaming of beaches, picnics, outside fun, art in our ICE garden and more. There is always a sense of holding our breath just before a seasonal change!
Teachers are feeling much the same! Our WINTER THEME TRAY will now give way to scores of potted plants, paper flowers, enchanted forests and whatever else the children dream up! Enthusiasm is renewed.
It is interesting that even though our winters are mild in WA we still have that sense we have been ensconced in the depths of winter and in a sort of deep, dreamlike sleep!
Here are a few ways that we can all celebrate the rites of SPRING with our pupils- Pre-School through Primary to Secondary:
• Make gratitude lists and add each day or show children how to begin a gratitude journal. (Model this by keeping one yourself.)
• Start a new garden bed- fingers in the soil, add compost and dig, plant and nurture some seeds.
• Write SPRING goals for learning, out of school, sport etc.
• Remind children that Spring is about new beginnings so they can consider new interests and hobbies.
• Help to spring-clean their rooms (and classrooms!)
• Draw some plants- really look at them closely.
• Record some bird calls and try to identify birds from sounds
• Plan a regular weekend picnic.
• Get outside to do writing/art or listen to a story! There is plenty of research that shows changing the learning environment and venturing outside will improve learning outcomes.
• Pack away some heavier clothes and give away old clothes.
• Make a list of things we can do in Spring that couldn’t be done in Winter!
• Choose books that focus on spring themes such as baby animals, plants and the environment.
ABOVE ALL- ENJOY THE HOPE, THE STIRRINGS AND THE OPTIMISM OF SPRING!
