This placement allows the student to bond with the adult for a longer period of time. With continuous multiage placement, a teacher can build on the previous year's experience with the child. Only half the class will be new to the teacher. Some of the advantages of a multiage instruction are that children have positive role models and more individuals besides the teacher to help them learn. Children can take on more responsibility by helping others as they continue to work on their own challenging tasks.
Children develop friendships based on interest, regardless of age.
Children develop at different rates and some children are stronger in math or reading at different times. A multiage program provides independent learning activities to meet the needs of all the children in the class. Our multiage program at Annandale Terrace will meet the expectations of the Fairfax County curriculum and the Virginia Standards of Learning. Classroom teachers, specialists, and the principal have worked together to ensure that each class has a balance of children with strengths as well as special needs. We will extend and enrich learning by stressing higher level thinking, creativity, use of technology, and problem solving activities.