From birth all of us are social learners (Lev Vygotsky’s Social Learning Theory). It is how we learned to walk and talk. We learned from those who are older by watching, and copying.  The older child learns the importance of nurturing and appreciating the younger child, learning to moderate and modify behaviors, to stay in step with young friends. Each learns to negotiate and temper their actions. Taking on the role of teacher or student with classmates also allows for reinforcement of skills in many settings.

Schools tend to divide children by “their date of manufacture,” usually referred to as age. (Sir Ken Robinson, TED Talk)At The New School, we consider what captures your child’s interest. How do they pursue their passions? How do they pursue areas where they are not strong? Where and when are they fearful? In the process, we will often find a 10 year old child is his most imaginative and generous self when he plays with a 5 year old. We often find older and younger children enjoy opportunities to learn and play together. At The New School, in our family-like community, children are able to find true peers regardless of age.