Instruct using curriculum that engages all learning styles. Students learn using different senses at different times and their learning is optimized when teachers engage their learning style. Common learning styles include auditory, kinesthetic and visual. Auditory students learn best from listening to traditional lecture-style instruction. Kinesthetic learners learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process physically. Visual learners learn best from what they see in the classroom. Universally designed curriculum can be helpful because it is specifically designed to engage students at different levels and accommodate different learning styles.
Incorporate curriculum intended for the age range in the classroom. While the ages vary, the classroom will benefit because the curriculum is either age appropriate or not far off. The entire class should use the same curriculum. This is not differentiated based on level or age, despite the classroom variation.
Incorporate many different visuals and vary delivery methods. Multi-age students often have developmentally different attention spans and visual needs. By using a combination of visual aids and materials, teachers are likely to capture the classroom's attention better and engage all students.
Assess students' abilities and differentiate based on achievement rather than age. This allows students to excel based on their individual ability and not on their grade level. Students who are struggling with the curriculum and students who are advanced each have their own needs that need to be addressed. It is important that teachers provide opportunities to encourage both groups to excel by differentiating the instruction accordingly. Advanced learners can be assigned special projects that stimulate advanced thought processes and further learning. Struggling students may need additional hands-on instruction in small groups or one-on-one when the rest of the class is self-contained.
Create a community environment focused on respect. Classroom management in the multi-age classroom requires clear expectations, rules, learning objectives and boundaries. The classroom environment should encourage students to be responsible and collectively accountable for the overall group's learning. When students accept the role of community members, they become resources themselves in helping each other succeed.
Involve parents as much as possible. Partnerships with parents are important in all classroom learning environments. However, in the multi-age classroom, parents play an even greater role. It is important that parents support the multi-age structure and understand the benefits. Invite parents to volunteer and visit the classroom regularly, and educate parents on how they can help with in-home learning.