THE PROCESS OF EDUCATING COOPERATIVE SKILLS FOR CHILDREN IN MIXED PRESCHOOL CLASSES AGED 3–6

This study proposes a process for educating cooperative skills for children in mixed-age preschool classes (mixed-age grouping in preschool) aged 3–6, based on theoretical foundations and empirical data. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, including theoretical analysis, a survey of 45 preschool teachers, and expert consultation to identify key requirements for organizing cooperative activities in mixed age preschool classes. The results show that although teachers clearly recognize the importance of cooperative skills, they still face limitations in designing and regulating activities that account for differences in children’s ages. Based on these findings, a five-stage process is proposed that reflects the development of cooperative skills from awareness to application in children’s daily activities in mixed-age preschool classes.