Any parents have experience with their children in combined classroom setting?

Question

I was just informed during enrollment this year that my daughter in 2nd grade, and my son in 1st grade are going to be in the same "combined classroom" this year with the same teacher. I have no experience with this and have never known any other parents whose children were in this setting. I am very apprehensive about this and was wondering if any other parents have experience with combined classrooms and how they felt it worked for their children.

Answer 1

I know that you are asking for parent comments but I couldn't help it...

I'm a teacher in a multi-age setting and I love it. I will have to say that it isn't for everyone - some kids can't handle it.

The parents in our class enjoy our multi-age setting. Our whole school is multiage and I teach primary 1st-3rd. The younger kids learn so much from their older peers. The older kids take learning to a different level by helping others.  It's easier to group students and the actual "grade" isn't the only determining factor. I can put some really high 1st grade students with my 2nd graders - it's great. I also see strong leadership skills emerge from my 2nd graders because expectations are higher for them since they are older.

I do have to say that multi-age only works with teacher buy in. Also, the curriculum should be developmental and allow for students to progress at their own rate. It will be okay!

Answer 2

I know you're asking parents,but as a teacher I had to chime in on this one.   Siblings in a class together can be very tricky.  You must really make sure both your children are individuals in the class and that each sibling treats the other as such.  I've had siblings in my classes before and sometimes it can be good, but most of the time it was not in the best setup for the siblings.

Answer 3

I have heard of this... I would not want my kids in a combined setting at such a young age... First graders and second graders are very different... I would be concerned that your daughter will not be prepared for third grade... In my opinion she will receive the same education she had previously when she was in first grade... this could cause her to be bored and not pay attention causing her to fall behind if any new concepts are introduced...

Answer 4

I agree with sprout.

But I want to add my 2 cents. Get your second grader out quickly! I say this because..

1. Siblings in the same class is rarely a good thing.

2. Your second grader will not get the rigorous teaching they deserve. These classes are designed for low performing 2nd graders and mid-high performing 1st graders. So, your second grader will be getting easier work than a 2nd grade only class.

3. These are "overflow" classes. To meet class size requirements, principals are forced to create these "combo" classes to avoid being fined for having too many kids in one room. So, they take the extra 1st graders and extra 2nd graders and historically (not always true) throw them in a room with a teacher the principal doesn't want. The principal hopes the teacher will become so frustrated they will leave.

Answer 5

I actually taught a kindergarten class where as soon as the students from the K-4 class turned 5 they moved them into the kindergarten class. First of all, I didn't agree with this because my son turned 5 in October and was moved to kindergarten. I had several students from the K-4 class that did this. My class was a differentiated learning class, which means that during group time, they were grouped by ability. I had some K-4 students that were ready for Kindergarten work and some Kindergarten students that were not ready for Kindergarten work. This worked out well for my son because he would have been bored with the K-4. curriculum