Family grouping is the name given in an education and care setting to groups of children of mixed ages, and is so named as its closely resembles that of a family.
Here at St Paul's Lutheran Kindergarten we endeavour to provide an environment that is responsive to the interests and abilities of each child, and caters for different learning capacities, most effectively supports the way children learn and develop. Therefore we believe that the Family Grouping structure provides the most appropriate setting to foster all areas of a child's early learning and development.
The benefits to the children are:
Here at St Paul's Lutheran Kindergarten we endeavour to provide an environment that is responsive to the interests and abilities of each child, and caters for different learning capacities, most effectively supports the way children learn and develop. Therefore we believe that the Family Grouping structure provides the most appropriate setting to foster all areas of a child's early learning and development.
The benefits to the children are:
- Language development occurs very well in mixed age groups where children act as role models for others with fewer language skills. In family groups, younger child are surrounded with language interactions of various levels and complexity, and as a result, may often develop language skills more rapidly than their peers in age group care.
- New children settle more easily and feel secure with help from siblings, and older children. The settled children help guide children who are new to the setting to learn what happens during the day, and in the process develop their own self-esteem and self-confidence. They model sharing and turn-taking for new or younger children.
- Fewer behavioural problems are a common feature of family grouping. Children of varying ages do not have to compete for the same play equipment as their play interests are often very different, and they tend to interact in more positive social ways. There is less aggression and more nurturing of others. In family grouping, children learn more positive behaviours from a wider age range of children.
- Physical and intellectual development is also well provided for in a family grouped setting, since each child is able to play and learn at their own pace. Children learn to accept and respect others' abilities and can themselves attempt any experience without embarrassment or a sense of failure. Older children are able to model appropriate play and problem solving to younger children while mastering and extending their own development.
- Play is often more complex as older children extends younger children's ideas or younger children follow the ideas and suggestions and contribute to the play.