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Multi-age Programming
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Having a mixed age group can be a challenge when planning childcare activities but there are many benefits as well. The mixed age group can be much like a group of siblings and the bonds that develop are often very strong. With today's smaller families, many children don't have siblings of their own. The interaction between older and younger children can be very beneficial.
Younger children learn new skills from imitating the older children. Through interaction with older children, preschoolers can develop new skills more readily than they would have on their own. Watching the older children can encourage them to try something new.
For some children, acting as role models for the younger children helps them to be more aware of their own behaviour. Older children are encouraged to help me with the younger children throughout the day. This improves their self confidence and can also help develop compassion, consideration, kindness, patience, responsibility, and understanding.
Even when children are all the same age they are not all at the same developmental level. In a mixed age group they have the opportunity to participate in activities at their developmental level rather than their age level.
In my home there are several different play areas. Each area has its own developmental requirements that are not necessarily age related. When behaviour problems arise, children may have their choice of play areas restricted until they can show that they can be trusted with the additional responsibilities in the next level play area. I've had a two-year-old who had more freedom and privileges than a six-year-old child because developmentally she was more advanced.
The playroom is considered "level one" and is available to anyone who likes to play with toys. This room is "babyproof" and I am always close by for anyone who needs my assistance. There are books available for reading at all times. When necessary I will nap young children in playpens or on cots in this room.
The sunroom is considered "level two" and is for activities like board games, arts & crafts, magnets, math manipulatives and other learning activities. We spend some time here every day as a group. Most of the toys and supplies here are within the children's reach to encourage them to make their own decisions. Smaller children have fewer choices within their reach and I often "set up" special activities for them at the preschool tables. When the children have demonstrated their ability to choose appropriate activities and clean up when they are finished, they can come and go here as they please.
During craft time infants are seated separately where they can safely begin demonstrating their own creativity. Preschoolers have their own table with developmentally appropriate supplies and my assistance as necessary. They can use their own imagination or get new ideas from the older children. Older children can work independently at the big table with their more advanced supplies out of reach of the younger children. Sometimes they offer to help the younger children with tasks such as using scissors and folding paper airplanes.
The living room is designated as "level three" and is a "baby free zone". Here the children may play with small toys such as Lego which may be considered a choking hazard to young children. Active play here is forbidden. Some children like to come here for quiet time when they've had enough of group activities. We do not play here as a group but on rare occasions we have gathered here to watch a movie on the big screen TV. Normally we do not watch television at all during childcare hours. This room is also used to nap older preschool children on the couches or on cots.
The hallway is not really considered a play space but it has been used for indoor bowling, crawling through tunnels, flying paper airplanes, and foam ball soccer during inclement weather when we just can't get out. Children running in the hallway is probably the one activity that causes me the most stress and is strongly discouraged. I am considering installing speed humps, spike strips, or some type of obstacle course.
The computer area is considered a "level four" play area. Children must have demonstrated their computer skills and have excellent behaviour to be able to play here independently. Preschool children are always directly supervised here. When time permits I will work with one or two children at a time to teach computer skills to those children who have never had the opportunity to use computers before.
