Mixed-Age Learning
Mixed-Age Interactions
The Benefits of Mixed-Age Learning at Our Kids
At Our Kids Early Learning Centres, we cater to children aged 6 months up to 5 years.
We believe that mixed-age learning offers numerous benefits, allowing children to engage in more complex activities and learning experiences than they might in same-age groups.
Our centres have
been committed to this approach for many years.
Glendene Centre
Opened in 2008
Glen Eden Centre
Opened in 2012
These longstanding centres have embraced mixed-age learning since their inception, fostering a nurturing and collaborative environment for all children.
Interested in how mixed-age learning can benefit your child?
Contact your nearest centre today.
Nurturing and Leadership Opportunities
Encouraging Collaboration and Empathy
Mixed-age groups encourage children to participate and contribute in diverse activities. Younger children benefit from observing and interacting with older peers, while older children develop valuable life skills such as nurturing, leadership, and role modeling.
Our approach includes:
Creating Safe Spaces
We design areas where fewer children can interact, allowing older children to learn how to engage with younger ones thoughtfully. This prevents overwhelming younger children and gives older ones the opportunity to develop patience and understanding.
Guided Interactions
Teachers facilitate interactions to ensure that younger children have the time and space for uninterrupted play, and older children can mentor without the novelty of an infant causing distractions.
Our Centres' Approach to Mixed-Age Learning
We tailor our environments to maximise the benefits of mixed-age interactions across all our centres.
Glendene and Glen Eden Centres
Completely mixed-age environments where children of all ages learn together throughout the day.
Mataki Way and Onehunga Centres
Offer separate areas for infants and toddlers under 2 and older children aged 2 and up. We integrate mixed-age philosophies wherever possible to ensure all children enjoy the benefits.
Individualised Care for All Ages
Focused Attention on Infants and Toddlers
At Our Kids, we are committed to providing appropriate, consistent, and individualised care for all children:
Strong Relationships
Our teachers observe and listen to gestures, body movements, facial expressions, and sounds to respond meaningfully to each child's needs and interests.
Respectful Caregiving
Care routines like feeding and nappy changing are natural opportunities for quality time and building attachments with teachers.
Shared Knowledge
Our longstanding teachers mentor newer staff, passing on valuable experience and fostering a cohesive teaching approach.
Supporting Development Through Exploration
Our teachers are familiar with research on how the infant brain develops. With this knowledge, we:
Provide Open-Ended Resources
Offer objects and experiences that encourage child-initiated learning.
Support Curiosity
Foster children's natural desire to explore and learn.
Facilitate Growth
Help under-2 children learn and grow in a nurturing environment.
A Day in the Life at Our Kids
Imagine your child starting the day in a warm, welcoming environment where older children greet younger ones with smiles and gentle guidance. One of our youngest explorers, who has just begun walking, watches with fascination as older peers climb the play fort. Intrigued by the challenge, they attempt to climb but find it difficult at first.
Noticing their determination, the older children offer encouragement: "You can do it!" With each day, the little one gains confidence, persistently trying to reach the top. Finally, with newfound strength and the support of friends, they succeed in climbing up to join the others. The joy and pride on their face are immeasurable.
This moment captures the essence of mixed-age learning at Our Kids. Younger children benefit from the guidance and support of older peers, while older children develop empathy and leadership skills. Together, they explore, learn, and celebrate achievements in a nurturing community that feels like family.
This story is based on real events that took place at Our Kids Glendene.
