We often get asked this question at Palmer. For parents of four-year-olds especially, it’s natural to wonder if your child is being challenged enough in school. And for parents of three-year-olds, it’s logical to question if your child is able to fully engage with material designed for older students. We’re here to tell you that mixed-age classes offer numerous benefits — and prepare your child for a lifetime of learning.
At Palmer, classes function like little families. Mixed-age classes provide the opportunity for students to have the same teacher in back-to-back school years. This builds trust and respect between teacher and student, which, in turn, drives better learning outcomes. Not only do they have the same teacher but they have some of the same friends as well!
In mixed-age classes, three and four-year-olds function like siblings, with older kids getting the opportunity to set an example for their younger classmates. The three-year-olds are introduced to slightly bigger kids who have already learned classroom rules and expectations. This encourages them to follow suit and supports their growth and development. Along with this, they are exposed to higher learning concepts and even though they aren’t expected to master the concepts, the exposure prepares them to engage with this content later on.
The four-year-olds benefit by being challenged through the curriculum. They build academic skills, leadership skills, and patience as they help their younger peers adjust to a classroom environment. Just like adults, we know that these students have internalized their learning when they can teach it to someone else.
Do you have questions about our mixed-age classrooms? Give us a call or reach out to our principal for more information.