Teaching to different age groups

Encourage Peer Teaching

Exploring subject and topic-based learning with different activities for different age levels is also a great opportunity for older children to teach younger children. Fister encourages parents to set up a “classroom” space in the home where this can take place. “It will be educational for both of them,” she adds. Older students can work on preparing learning activities such as worksheets and games to practice counting and math, the alphabet and phonics. Or have the older students design a simple science experiment, engineering or art project, while younger students play. When “school starts,” “teacher” and “student” can engage each other.

While older children might naturally teach younger children, it’s important to find ways to celebrate the unique skills and abilities of younger students, as well. Encouraging enthusiasm and sharing is one way to approach this, according to Hicks.

“Rather than establishing roles, create an aura of enthusiasm for learning in general,” she says.

Working together is important for parents with children of different ages, like this mom with two kids. PBS SoCal

Working together is important for parents with children of different ages, like this mom with two kids. | PBS SoCal