The relevance of the topic of the article. In Russia, mixed-age groups in kindergartens are an exception rather than a popular practice. There is a contradictory attitude towards kindergarten mixed-age groups in the community of researchers and practitioners: from the recognition of the value of mixed-age groups for the development of preschoolers to the concerns associated with the treatment of older or younger children in such groups. Discussion of the advisability of organizing groups of different ages in kindergartens should be conducted taking into account the peculiarities of the influence of the experience of visiting such groups and interacting with children of a different age on the development of children. This requires an analysis of existing scientific research.
The aim of the study is to analyze empirical studies on the peculiarities of the interaction of children in mixed-age groups and the influence of mixed-age groups on the development of preschool children.
Description of the research progress. In accordance with the purpose of the review, criteria for selecting sources were developed, a search was carried out in Russian-language and English-language scientific databases. A total of 15 articles were selected in peer-reviewed journals that met all the selection criteria. The depth of analysis is 44 years, the sources represent the experience of 4 countries.
The results of the study. The analysis of the sources showed that for the development of preschoolers, it is not the fact of attending mixed-age groups that matters, but the qualitative features of such groups: the size of the difference in age between older and younger children, the ratio of older and younger, the difference in the level of development between older and younger, the type of relationship between children and the style of pedagogical interaction. As part of the review, the main limitations of existing research are analyzed, and directions for future research are formulated. It is concluded that it is necessary to develop programs for the professional development of teachers working in mixed-age groups.
Conclusion. The article may be of interest both to practitioners interested in the organization of mixed-age groups in kindergarten, and to researchers of preschool education.