Children are keen observers, always watching and learning. Dr. Maria Montessori knew this when she designed the mixed-age classroom, a hallmark of the Montessori method. At Gateway Montessori School, it’s common to see a 3-year-old watching a 5-year-old practice more advanced work.
“Being able to observe any work helps prepare the younger child for when they actually receive the lesson from the teacher. They’ve seen someone do it, so it’s not a new concept. They sat with a friend and watched and it helps pique their curiosity,” explains Emily Page, Director at Gateway Montessori School, one of just two Chicago Montessori schools recognized by American Montessori Internationale, the organization founded by Dr. Montessori nearly 100 years ago.
Teachers in a Montessori environment are taught to be keen observers, in part so they will know when a child is developmentally ready to receive a lesson, unlike a traditional setting where all children of a particular age are introduced to a concept at the same time.
“Some children will grasp the concept immediately, and some will not. In some cases that might mean they don’t feel good about themselves if they struggle. They may close themselves off to the work,” Page says. “But when a child can see the work done time and time again, they have a better chance to succeed and they have a feeling of accomplishment in being able to do it the first time.”
Learning and growing together
Gateway Montessori’s mixed-age classroom allows children who are advanced in one area to work with older children as peers in the same classroom. At the same time, if a child is behind in acquiring a skill, but working with others at the same level, there’s no stigma, says Page. “We’re all learning together.”
By observing a peer, a child is able to intellectualize advanced concepts like math and reading. “If the material is interesting to them, they watch and learn and gain understanding and vocabulary for these abstract concepts,” Page says.
At Gateway Montessori, children from 15 months to age 3 are in The Community. Three- to 6-year-olds are in the Children’s House, and Elementary combines ages 6 to 9 in lower elementary and 9 to 12 in upper elementary. By grouping children in a three-year cycle, children progress from learning to practicing to mastery — often referred to as “the year of bloom.”
Helping each other succeed
Mixed-age classrooms allow children to grow academically, but also socially and emotionally. “They can watch children who are older and more experienced interact socially and learn how to treat each other and how to ask for help. They all learn in a gentle and kind way from other children,” Page explains.
An older child will offer help to a younger child by saying, “I can help you with your jacket. I will get it started. You can zip up the rest of the way.” The responsibility children develop when they are helping others builds community in the classroom.
“Being able to feel responsible in your own behavior, how you model and have empathy when you realize there is someone who needs your help — and feeling pride in being able to help them — that’s really a gift,” says Page. “If an adult is doing that for the child, the child would expect it, but when an older child helps, it creates a bond that lasts and benefits the entire community.”
Learn more about Gateway Montessori School. Visit gatewaymontessorischool.org.
