The method · 24 October 2026 · 4 minute read
Why we put three ages in one classroom
Visitors are often surprised to see a three year old pouring water next to a six year old reading a book. It is one of the oldest ideas in Montessori, and one of the best.
Little ones learn by watching
Young children are fascinated by children a little older than themselves. A three year old who watches a five year old work with the golden beads wants to do the same. No teacher needs to sell it.
Watching is learning. By the time the younger child is ready for the beads, they have seen the lesson many times.
Older ones learn by teaching
When a six year old shows a younger friend how to wash a table, they have to break the task into steps and explain them. That deepens their own understanding and builds patience and kindness.
In their final year of each classroom, children become the leaders. They lead circle, welcome new children and show visitors around.
Three years with one teacher
Because classrooms cover three ages, children stay with the same teacher for three years. The teacher knows them deeply, and there is no new start every September. Parents get to know the teacher well too.
What about the bright ones, or the slow ones?
Mixed ages make it easy to go at your own pace. A child ready for harder maths simply moves on to the next material, and a child who needs longer has time without being held back a year or labelled.
In short
- Younger children learn by watching
- Older children learn by teaching
- Three years with the same teacher
- Each child goes at their own pace
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