Combined Grades - Answering Parents' Questions

What are the benefits of placement in a class of combined grades?

There are many socio-emotional benefits for students who are in classes with students of various ages. For example, in such classes, peer interactions have been shown to be very positive; students have opportunities for greater development of social skills and cooperation skills; and students often develop a feeling of comfort and security, a positive self-concept, and a sense of satisfaction with their achievements. There are also significant opportunities for development of leadership skills and for learning from peers.

How do teachers prepare for teaching classes of combined grades?

Teachers develop the knowledge and skills to effectively manage any classroom, including knowledge of curriculum resources and flexibility in planning. Teachers also learn about which instructional strategies work well with the students in their class while they teach, whether it is a single-grade class or a class of combined grades.

Will the child in the higher grade be sufficiently challenged?

Research has shown that there are no negative effects on academic achievement. Teachers design programs to challenge children at their appropriate academic level. In any given classroom, students have diverse needs and interests, and teachers spend a great deal of time planning a program so that it addresses this range. Along with the academic studies, students also learn to work with a cross-section of other students, reinforcing social and leadership skills.

Might the child in the lower grade be overwhelmed?

Teachers and principals are careful in selecting students who will be compatible in all classes. In any class, children show a range of development physically, emotionally, and academically. It is an advantage for younger children in a class of combined grades to have many people they can ask for help – both the teacher and older students. They may also benefit from being able to learn from older children who can model leadership and academic skills.

 

Excerpt from the Combined Grades ministry document, 2007.

Being prepared for school is essential for many reasons:

1.      Having finished homework and completed reading allows children the opportunity to participate in academic discussions about the material. Children learn better by discussing something they are familiar with, especially if they are having difficulty.

2.      Children need to be mentally prepared. Coming to class prepared allows students to focus upon their learning rather than on searching for materials, thus the likeliness of success is greater.

3.      Being prepared leads to less stress. If children are not prepared then they may experience stress. If they are fully prepared they will have all the tools required to begin a successful day.

4.      Being prepared saves time, puts children at an advantage, and establishes good work habits.