One of our Kindergarteners is giving a younger peer a lesson on word building. The mixed-age grouping in a Montessori classroom is beneficial in so many ways. Older children learn to be patient and tolerant, and serve as role models and teachers for the younger children. When an older child teaches a younger one, it reinforces previously learned concepts and is actually an aid in complete mastery of concepts. Younger children learn about courtesy, manners, and conflict resolution by watching the older children in the class.