Abstract:

The decline of school starting age find out so many results in Turkey. One of these results is the mixed age grouping classes. Mixed age grouping classes have occurred in kindergartens (48-68 months of age at the same classroom) and first grade of primary schools (66-72 months of age at the same classroom) with this regulation. Aim of this study is to examine kindergarten and primary school first grade teachers’ opinions on teaching mixed age group of children. Study group consists of 10 kindergartens and 10 primary school first grade teachers. Phenomenological research method is followed. Interview form was used to collect the data. Themes are positive perspective on mixed age grouping in terms of teachers’ implementations, positive perspective on mixed age grouping in terms of children’s gains, negative perspective on mixed age grouping in terms of teachers’ implementations and negative perspective on mixed age grouping in terms of children’s gains. As a result; it is seen that both primary and kindergarten teachers have negative experiences regarding being not ready to teach mixed age group of children. Even kindergarten teachers know how to plan activities for 36-72 years old children; they have challenges in teaching mixed age group of children. Primary school 1st grade teachers have expressed that they don’t know any about 60 months of age children’s developmental skills and school/classroom environment is also not convenient for these children. Teachers have also expressed that there are some parents who insist on sending their child to primary school even if the child is not ready. 

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