Homeschooling is one continuous learning experience. Education is part of everyday living. I am sure the picture most people get is of a closed system with just family members. In this post I will share the benefits of age integration in homeschooling.
We are raising adults. I mean we want our kids to learn life as we experience it as adults, we don’t want them to remain at the same stage forever. And as adults where do we group according to age? Certainly not at work, church, supermarkets or sometimes in our social circles. In age segregation learning is horizontal (peer-to-peer). One of the benefits of age integration in homeschooling is vertical learning (across ages).
Learning through teaching
Where there is ‘cross-age interaction’ there is opportunity for everyone to learn. Younger children will engage in activities they wouldn’t otherwise be able to take part in with just age-mates. In homeschooling there is much activity which requires collaboration across ages. The younger children learn new skills in a non-aggressive, non-competitive environment.
“Do you know what 3+3 equals to?” My 7-year old daughter said to my 5-year old son one day.
“Easy, that’s 6.”
“And what’s 6+6?”
“16!”
“No, it’s 12! What’s 12+12.”
” I don’t know.”
I really wanted to hear if she knew the answer herself now. After a few minutes she gave the answer, 24. Why, I was so impressed! I hadn’t taught her addition beyond 20 yet. Smiling, I then asked how she came to the correct answer. She walked me through her reasoning proudly. One benefit of age integration in homeschooling is that kids learn through teaching. My daughter, in teaching the younger, cemented a concept in her own brain. In turn, the younger was inspired that his sibling could do such a big sum 😲.
Learning through emulation
Children love doing grown up stuff. It teaches them responsibility, maturity, compassion, empathy and to be caring. One day, after the boys took a bath, I left the baby in a towel on the bed to clean the bathroom. By the time I got back, the baby was already dressed! And there was big brother, smiling and pointing to the work of his hands. He couldn’t wait to show me he was now a big boy 😊. I was delighted and proud. A few days later, big brother was helping the younger with the potty! The boys were so excited about this, showing off washed hands and million-dollar smiles. I was glad that half of my work was done already.
My daughter can interact with all people, young and old. She can be friends with babies and is good at it. Adults do not intimidate her too. Yes, she is naturally confident and vocal. We see the benefits in the young brother who is slowly coming out of his shell. Age integration is one of the reasons why I love homeschooling.
