They imitate, instruct, direct and follow one another's knowledge, ideas and feelings. Research shows that young children in multi-age groupings do better academically and socially than children in groups of the same age. Here are some of the ways all children benefit from the dual-age kindergarten classroom. Typically, but not always, the older child is the expert . An important part of kindergarten is introducing children to the school environment, helping them learn how to interact with other children and letting them know what behaviour is expected in school.
Research shows the dual-age classroom has a positive affect on children's behaviour.
They tend to do better at sharing, taking turns and helping each other. In same-age groupings, they tend to be more competitive and aggressive. The children who are more mature in their development have a positive influence on those who are less mature. Children like school more. In dual-age classes, most children will be with the same teacher for two years, so they develop a strong bond with the teacher.