This is more difficult for children placed in graded classrooms, because the child will be promoted to another classroom at the end of the school year. The Maine State Learning Results have put more pressure on teachers, and this feeling of being time bound has increased. When children are in the same classroom for a minimum of two years, teachers have more time to integrate and feel less pressure to cover grade specific curriculum. Teachers with a multiage philosophy believe in using developmentally appropriate practices. This means they have an understanding of child development and will provide children with activities which are appropriate.
Diversity can be more of an issue in same age classrooms.
Children are instructed using a variety of strategies. Hands on activities are prevalent in developmentally appropriate classrooms. There is a balance between teacher directed and child directed activities. Open ended activities and materials are used so children of different ages can work cooperatively. Flexibility is important in the multiage classroom.