Blog
Why Choose Mixed-Age Programs: Benefits of Learning & Play in an Age Diverse Classroom
I’ve personally witnessed how mixed age classes provide the fodder for a child-lead education, as they set the stage for academic learning as children set up shops, social engagement, as children learn compassion & understanding, and, most importantly, deep, joyful play as children of all ages laugh and giggle together.
An Outdoor School Year and the Cycle of Life
This year at BOPN, we learned a lot about the life cycle. In fall we explored pumpkins' journeys from seed to fruit to seed again. Pretending to be squirrels, we buried acorns, hoping they might later sprout into oaks. In winter we spotted silent snags and dug into logs that used to be trees. We built dens for our stuffed animals to survive the cold. We read about living and non-living things, and played sorting games to work out what makes something alive.
