Multi-age classrooms in Montessori

There are many reasons why an authentic Montessori school will have multi-age classrooms, typically with a 3-year age span. Here I will explore these many reasons, because it is normal these days to be separated into classes based on one year/age group.

Reason #1: Planes of Development
Through her extensive research, Montessori discovered that children learn in stages, which she called Planes of Development. These are: 

• First plane: 0–6 years (Absorbent Mind)
• Second plane: 6–12 years (Childhood)
• Third plane: 12–18 years (Adolescence)
• Fourth plane: 18–24 years (Young Adult)   (source: NAMC)

and can be broken down even further like this, which reflects how classes should be organised:

• First plane:
• 0–3 years: The child absorbs everything in her environment, subconsciously
• 3–6 years: Child is now conscious of what is being learned
• Second plane:
• 6–9 years: Child has the ability to comprehend. He questions everything. He has a very curious and active imagination. It is the time for creating a personal code of ethics.
• 9–12 years: Child is able to work more abstractly and enjoys BIG works. Inner order takes precedent over external order. Ethics now expands to peers and the world at large.
• Third plane:
• 12–15 years: Puberty
• 15–18 years: Adolescence                                            (source NAMC)

As you can see, generally, children do tend to learn in these 3-year phases (puberty may start earlier for some children, but during 12-15 years they tend to display similar learning traits and behaviour, so this is more related to that than the actual physical changes that are happening). It seems as if it is what nature intended...

Reason #2 - Every child is different

Every child is different, and they may not all develop at exactly the same time. The 3-year classroom will contain many children at all different levels as well as ages. This is fine because Montessori is an individual curriculum, and many of the lessons are conducted either on a 1-2-1 basis or in small groups of the same level or interest. So a child's self-confidence is not knocked because they are 'behind' or 'struggling'. They are given the freedom to take their time, or progress more quickly depending of their grasp of the topic or lesson being taught. Some children learn to be fluent phonic readers in 2 weeks! Some take a lot longer. If a child shows no interest in learning something when they are first taught it, then it is left for a later time, which is fine. All children will eventually learn it, because it is a natural thing for them to do, especially when surrounded by other children who are also learning.

Reason #3 - Progress is made within each of the 3 years of each cycle

Each year within a Montessori classroom is significant, and it is important that a teacher recognises the aims of that year within the classroom. The first year is a foundation year, where they are taught new things based on that stage of development. In the second year they practice and explore these concepts and lessons, and in the third year they are consolidated and applied. Higher level thinking skills are formed, in preparation to move on to the next stage, which is why it is important not to rush a child through this stage, mistakenly believing that they are ready to progress.

(Source: NAMC)

In this third year also, a child can develop leadership skills and other skills as they are able and encouraged to teach and support the learning of younger children. Once these skills are developed, they start the foundation stage of the next plane of development or sub-plane.

(NB. I would argue with the diagram that the ages given are a year out, but it is a good diagram anyway!)

These are 3 of the main reasons. I will add more as I have the time to think of them!