Mixed age 'year groups'?

Reggio Emilia International Study Group 2016

Again at Anna Frank Preschool we got the chance to ask about the mixed age-group class (in this case mixed 3 and 5 year olds - no 4 year olds). The Pedagogista explained that mixed groupings had at first been a logistical solution to help the schools offer a greater number of places. However, they quickly realised that the classes had a great dynamic - again talking about the reciprocal relationship - where both the older and younger learners benefitted. She stated that she thought the job was probably more challenging for the teacher but that the benefits were positive for all.