Multi-Age Groupings at Churchill: Tree Families plus more!

Multi-aged groupings are one of the 7 Alternative Tenets and are actively used in a variety of ways at Churchill Alt.

Most classes include children from two grades (JK/SK, G1/2, G2/3 etc) which is a deliberate learning opportunity set up by school staff.

Each class will also have a buddy class (e.g. a Kinder class pairs with a Gr 5/6 class where the Kinders all have a grade 5 or 6 buddy who works with them throughout the year on reading and projects such as writing books or cards for loved ones).

Our Grade 1-6 students also mix up into multi age groups which we call Tree Families. Each Tree Family is named for a tree that is native to Ontario. Each child stays in the same Tree Family over the years that they are at Churchill.  Having an ongoing relationship with one staff member and a group students from different grades throughout one's time in an elementary school is a really special and unique experience that we feel provides many benefits such as a stronger sense of belonging, the ability to connect with a range of students during recess, etc.

Tree Families usually meet 5+ times throughout the school year to work on STEM and art activities.

When asked what they thought of Tree Families and working in multi-age groups, students shared:

‘I really like Tree Families.’

‘The older kids can help the younger kids and the younger kids don’t have to ask the teacher for help.’

‘It makes me feel good when I help someone else.’

Why is multi-age grouping considered an important approach?

Multi-age groupings can improve social emotional learning, and class bonding. The approach can enhance the self-esteem of learners as they are more able to help other younger/less able students. A learner’s raised self-esteem can improve motivation, which is a central requirement to learning success. In multi-age groupings there tends to be a higher rate of language development, due to the higher rate of language use. Also, behaviour tends to be better in such groupings.

In life after school, learners are likely to be working and learning with people of all ages. It seems only natural to encourage a similar working and learning environment within the school walls!

You can read more about multi age grouping in a school environment by following these links:

Inside a Multiage Classroom (The Atlantic)

Multi-age classrooms can strengthen personalized learning for students and teachers (Education Dive)

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Multiage Classrooms in the Era of NCLB Accountability (Centre for Evaluation and Education Policy)

Published: Updated 2023

Tags: Arts and music, caring, confidence, Cooperation and teamwork, Family & community-centered school environment, Innovative approaches to teaching and learning, kindergarten, Multi-aged groupings, Relationships, Student-directed learning, wellbeing