Mixed-Age Groupings

In the family, in the workplace, and in society as a whole, we are in constant interaction with people who are older and younger than us. By way of traditional education, children in school are the only members of society segregated by age. Contrarily, a mixed-age environment is an important part of Montessori education. The only segregation in Montessori arises from the understanding that children need different environments at different stages in their development. To cater to this need, classes are thus mixed within bands, for example, 0–3 years, 3–6 years, 6–12 years, and 12–15 years. Within each band, younger children are surrounded by role models that are more developed than them.. Likewise, the older child finds himself in a position of responsibility, and, by showing younger children what he knows, affirms to himself, more surely than a test, the extent of his learning. Cooperation replaces competition as the driving force within these mini-societies. The auto-education facilitated by the prepared environment means that each child is learning and developing at his own pace.

Referenced from:

http://montessoricentenary.org/briefins/WhatIsMontessoriEducation.pdf