With a three year span, it is impossible to address grades separately with a graded curriculum. With a three-year span, the children must be looked at as individual learners on their own continuum. There are also social and emotional benefits that result from a three-year span. In the multiage classroom every child, even the older child, is on his or her own continuum of learning. The older child is able to go as far as he or she is able, just as the younger child is.
All children are able to progress beyond the traditional classroom limits at their own pace.
Social and emotional benefits are also apparent through mentoring and modeling, older children gain confidence and increase their self-esteem. Older children also learn how to care for and nurture others. Yes, gifted children benefit in the same way that older children benefit. Younger gifted children have the opportunity to interact with older children, increasing their level of learning. Older gifted children have the opportunity to increase leadership and mentoring skills.