At Little Sunshine House children spend time in mixed age group (Community Time) and small peer groups (Home Room). The benefits of mixed age groups include:

• developing skills in helping others
• teaching and learning from other children
• sharing
• sensitivity

In mixed age groups children often develop or try new roles which leads to a sense of positive self regard. In addition, in mixed age groups, children’s language and understanding of social rules develops and they learn important life skills.


In small group children learn with their peer group curriculum relevant to their development. The literature, music, songs, and activities in small group provide a scaffold to more complex learning throughout the day.