Working with Multiple Ages

Working with multiple ages is full of benefits. It gives kids the opportunity to learn together, work together, become individual leaders, and experience teachable moments. With various ages, it is important to know where each child is developmentally and where their progress is headed. Planning for the day is key. Make sure you find a rhythm and establish a routine. Be sure to use the physical space allotted to you and monitor time as the day progresses. Great things to think about throughout the day include:

Open-Ended Materials

• Stock up on materials that can be used in more than one way. This helps develop problem solving, spacial awareness, and imagination.

Collaborative Projects

• These are projects where the kids are not competing against one another but working together towards a common goal.

Physical Space Ideas

• Create corners or other room areas that can be blocked off as a safe place for older kids to play.
• Plastic baby pools or bright colored towels/blankets are great for showing kids where a safe place for the baby to play is.

Activity Ideas

• Sensory play
• Imaginary play
• Water play
• Contact paper stained glass windows
• Outdoor play

Modifications

• If stringing beads: give toddlers a pipe cleaner while older kids use thread.
• If painting: give older kids brushes while younger kids use bath scrunchies, hands, to chunky stamps.

Excerpt from: Nannypalooza presentation by Sue Downey