Structure your classroom to accommodate both preschool and kindergarten students. This is important because the two groups are developmentally different and have different needs. The facilities should accommodate preschoolers' size and needs in addition to the older children. Furniture and equipment should be assessed for any barriers and the layout should be designed with both age groups in mind.
Decorate your classroom age appropriately using a mix of visuals. Preschoolers and kindergarteners both are known to have difficulty focusing and remaining on task for periods of time. It is important that the overall classroom appeal to students of both age groups and engage them. Visuals should be mixed so that some appeal to preschoolers and some to kindergarteners.
Instruct using a curriculum designed for one of the developmental levels, or within the age range. Despite having a multi-age classroom, it is important to maintain high expectations for all the students. Learning objectives should be structured to meet educational standards of kindergarteners, while still being realistic for the younger students.
Accommodate all learning styles in instruction. Students learn using different sensory systems in general, but especially in these age groups where students are developmentally different. It is important that teachers vary teaching methods and visuals throughout the learning experience so that they are engaging all learners. Frequent differentiation of instruction methods also helps children with a short attention span, keeping them from getting bored.
Involve parents and communicate regularly with them. Partnering with parents and the community will help support your efforts in the classroom and make the year a lot smoother. Parents are excellent resources for information on an individual child's ability and needs, and for reinforcing learning at home. Parents also make excellent volunteers and can provide needed support in the classroom.
Assess students' individual abilities and differentiate instruction to meet individual needs. Instruction should not be differentiated based on age; rather, students should be individually assessed for ability and have instruction differentiated accordingly. Students who are advanced should be given extra projects to do so the teacher has time to help students who need extra instruction.
Establish a routine and involve all students. Assign duties and responsibilities based on student abilities. Make sure all students are included and participate. Reward students for good behavior and focus on a positive classroom management method. Students in both these age groups respond well to praise and accomplishment. Create opportunities for all students, regardless of age, to succeed in the classroom.
Promote a learning community where students work together and support each others learning. Older students can help the younger students, and advanced students can help mentor those who are less advanced. When all students take responsibility for the learning experience, learning occurs regardless of age differences.