If you’ve ever tried to run a multi-age classroom, you’ve probably wrestled with this question:

How do I give my students freedom while still keeping structure?

Maybe you’ve seen this play out in your own classroom. You’re working with a small group, and your older students finish early. They start asking, “What do I do now?” Or maybe you gave them options, but then things got messy, and suddenly kids are off-task. You feel torn between giving them ownership and keeping everything under control.

And let’s be honest—that’s a real tension. On one hand, you want your classroom to foster independence, creativity, and choice. On the other, you need to make sure that everyone is actually learning, not just doing whatever they feel like.

This is where a lot of teachers get stuck. They either lean all the way into freedom—chaos. Or they lean all the way into structure—control, but no joy. The magic of a multi-age classroom is learning how to hold both.

I’m going to share with you the balance of options and requirements—what it looks like, why it matters, and what strategies can help you get there.

So if you’re ready to stop choosing between chaos and control, and instead create a classroom where your students thrive with freedom and accountability, this episode is for you.

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We’re tackling a topic that can make or break your classroom flow: stations and independent work systems.

Now, let me guess — this is one of those areas that keeps you up at night. Because you’re asking yourself questions like:

• How do I keep my older students engaged while I’m working with the younger ones?

• What kind of activities can students actually do on their own without constantly needing me?

• How do I stop the interruptions so I can give each group the attention they need?

I want you to know, those are the exact right questions to be asking — because they reveal something really important: in a multi-age classroom, you cannot do everything for every student at the same time.

If you try, you’ll burn out. And you’ll feel like you’re failing everyone.

But here’s the good news: stations and independent work systems can completely transform your classroom. They allow your older students to thrive without you hovering, they give younger students a chance to practice independence, and they free you up to do focused teaching where it matters most.

By the end of today’s episode, you’re going to walk away with a clear vision of the types of systems and strategies that work in a multi-age classroom.

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And I know how heavy this question feels. When you’re preparing for a new school year, especially if you’re teaching multiple ages, it can feel like this giant cloud hanging over your head.

I hear teachers say things like:

• “Do I need separate curriculum for every child?”

• “Should I go all-in with workbooks, or is online learning better?”

• “What do I do if my older kids finish quickly while my younger ones are still learning the basics?”

And maybe you’ve found yourself at a curriculum fair or on some website late at night, staring at all these shiny boxes and programs, feeling overwhelmed and wondering if you’re about to spend hundreds of dollars on something that won’t actually work in your classroom.

Friend, I get it. I’ve been there. And I want you to know you don’t have to buy all the things. You don’t have to stress over having the “perfect” program. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all curriculum. But there is a way to build a blend of resources that fits your students, your style, and your mission.

That’s what we’re going to break down today. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear framework for how to choose curriculum that works for multiple ages, saves you time, and actually helps your students thrive.

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