In the Early Schools, children work and play together in mixed-age “family” groups. Such grouping, whether organized by teachers or naturally occurring in play, offers several advantages, including:
- It is easier for a child to make the transition from home to school.
- Three-year olds benefit from the older members of the group.
- It supports the uneven, highly charged growth pattern of four-year olds.
- It allows five-and six-year-olds to be among the most able and socially responsible members of the school.
- Teachers function better because of the stimulation and variety offered.
They enjoy the satisfactions of following each child's growth during a three-year period. Finally, the range of abilities which the children exhibit reminds the teacher that a child cannot be treated as merely typical of an age but must be considered as a unique individual with her own timetable of development.
Taking children out together into the community is such an important part of our curriculum, and a way that we hope to serve the community—this allows children to be seen and heard! By sharing the strong potential of our children as learners and community members, we open people's eyes to the rights of all children. Sara Orphanides, Early School Teacher