| What is MAG? | How can we teach all these different ages? | A Typical Day |
| Multiage teachers | Enrolling your child | Meet the Teacher Night Information |
| Curriculum Night Presentation (with links) |
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What is MAG? (MultiAge Group) |
In a multiage classroom, students of different ages and grades work side-by-side, in various flexible groupings, in small groups, and individually to achieve their academic, physical, emotional, social, and creative goals. Students have 3 years with the same set of teachers to achieve these goals at their own developmental pace.
In a multiage class teachers:
Recognize that a child learns as a whole person
Promote a positive, risk-free environment where every child is valued
Recognize that nurturing students development is key and that each child needs their own time to develop cognitively
Plan for meaningful and relevant learning experiences
Value play and process learning
View each child as a unique individual
Set reasonable expectations that fit each child and then support them to the next level of learning
Apply the principles of developmentally appropriate practices
Are facilitators and give the children choices in their learning
Want students to be active constructors of their knowledge, make connections, and be involved in relevant, meaningful learning
Thanks to Shannon Fossett , multiage teacher at Kyrene de la Mirada for sharing this synopsis
For more information on multiage programs, this is an excellent website:
www.multiage-education.com
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How can we teach children with such different needs? |
Students learn in a variety of
Flexible Groupings
Each of the three MAG classrooms is a multiage neighborhood community. These neighborhoods are the home base for each child.
Here is child has a "Study Buddy" with whom they share their learning and help each other. "Study Buddies" are mentoring relationships that form close friendships.
Each neighborhood has their own government (neighborhood council and mayor) and set of jobs. They conduct neighborhood meetings and work together to maintain their learning environment.
Students are grouped by their skills needs in Language Literacy and Math. Each student is continually assessed and re-assessed to determine his or her learning needs. Each child is then place in large groups, small groups, and partners to best meet his or her needs.
Thematic Learning
Activities in Science, Social Studies, Health, Art, etc. have traditionally been taught based upon textbook company design.
For example: There is nothing special about learning about weather in 2nd grade. It’s just where textbook companies put it and so that’s where it has stayed.
We have "reorganized" the 3 years of these subject areas focused around certain, highly-motivating themes.
Objectives for all three grade levels are contained in these thematic units.
To see a copy of our 3-year plan click here.
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A Typical Day (2008-2009) |
| 7:40-8:15 | Microsociety |
| 8:15-10:30 | Language Literacy Block |
| 9:45-9:55 | Snack |
| 9:55-10:30 | Language Literacy Block (cont.) |
| 10:30-12:15 | "Specials" group (see explanation below) |
| 12:30-1:45 | Math |
| 1:45-2:20 | Workshop |
| 2:20-2:35 | Clean-up and Closing Activities |
"Specials" group is our more grade-level focused time of the day where we take children to Music, Art, Physical Education, Recess and Lunch.
To see specific times for your child's "Specials" group, please see below:
Mrs. Gaches' specials schedule
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Miss McGill's specials schedule
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Mr. Moffett's specials schedule
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Who are the Multiage teachers?
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Sonya Gaches
(480) 783-3365
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Rick
Moffett
(480) 783-3362
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Katy McGill
(480) 783-3364 |
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Please remember -
When you request placement in the multiage group, it is a request for for placement.
It is imperative that balance be maintained between multiage classrooms and regular-graded classrooms.
The make-up of the multiage classrooms needs to reflect that of the greater Norte community.
| Current Norte Families | Families new to Norte |
| click here | click here |
Access the informational brochure with here:
Feel free to make an appointment to come visit and observe the program throughout the year!
Late April to Early May -
* Brochures with placement consideration requests go home with all Kindergarten children
May 12th - All placement consideration request forms are due into the Norte office.
* Classrooms will initially be formed in the final weeks of school.
July - Class placements are mailed to families.
(return to enrollment information)
Feel free to make an appointment to come visit and observe the program throughout the year!
Late April to Early May -
* Brochures with placement consideration requests go home with all Kindergarten children
OPEN ENROLLMENT FORMS
*Make sure that you have filled out any necessary forms, if you live out of the Norte boundary area
May 12th - All placement consideration request forms are due into the Norte office.
* Classrooms will initially be formed in the final weeks of school.
July - Class placements are mailed to families.
(return to enrollment information)
Please come join us for Meet the Teacher Night: Thursday, August 6, 2009!
More information will be posted here shortly!
If you can't come that evening, or maybe you're just too excited to wait.....here are the handouts for the evening (which we won't be handing out unless you don't have access to a computer):
Helpful Notes for Your First Day
MAG FAB (Family Advisory Board) Information
Learning About Your Child Questionnaire
ll The State of Arizona and the Kyrene School District have recently revised their Social Studies, Science, and Health Curriculums. Due to these changes we've had to revise our 3-year plan. Click here to see the New Unit Plan.
