Handling mixed age groups

[Inspired by Reggio]

I would try 'visual definition' of space for the older children to play in that tells the younger ones 'do not bother Billy when he is in there' cause it is hard when sometimes Billy may WANT to play with them and build a tower for them to knock over and other times when he might not .... so down in my playroom I have hula hoops and carpet squares that 'define' personal space for children ... if you are playing with the blocks IN the hula hoop it is a visual reminder that "I want to play alone with these so do not come in my space" or if they are on a carpet square same thing 'this is my space please do not bug me right now' ... but like everything there is the 'learning curve' where younger ones might forget so you have to be there to redirect them away until they master impulse control and GET IT so to speak.

For arts/craft and other things that the older children might be using 'choker items' that the younger ones cannot I would set the 'younger ones' up in their highchairs with something to keep them engaged while the older ones engaged in their art/creative explorations.

I also have 'table top activities' for quiet time that the older children who do not nap any longer can engage in ONLY while the younger ones are napping and ONLY if they are quiet about it otherwise they have to return to their 'rest cot' - so this is the 'special' time of day to play uninterpreted with fine motor tiny things!