This guide is designed for elementary school teachers to assist them in developing multi-age classrooms as part of their school restructuring efforts. Each of six sections presents a story from teachers who describe the challenges and joys of multi-age teaching, from parent backlash to school district support and praise. Section 1, "Step by Step" (Rene Goularte), describes the mistakes and successes of setting up a primary multi-age classroom. Section 2, "Classroom Buddies" (Patty LaRose and Mary-Ellen Moon), discusses a buddy system used to ease first graders into multi-age classes and turn third graders into leaders and mentors. Section 3, "When Students Resist" (Kristie Colwell-Cornett, and Others), examines the challenges of combining middle school students with elementary school students and how flexible grouping and cooperative learning helped teachers meet that challenge. Section 4, "Sailing the Sea As We Build the Boat" (Debra Hime and Carolyn Moore), describes a multi-age program which reduced the retention rate. Section 5, "Teaming for Success" (Kris Clark), discusses how two teachers used team teaching and multi-age classes to eliminate classroom isolation and create teacher support networks. Section 6, "Multi-Age From the Ground Up" (Bobbie Faulkner and Patricia Faiveley), presents an elementary school multi-age program using integrated thematic teaching and recent research in cognitive learning and multiple intelligences. Reader reflections sections provide space for readers to record related insights and action points for their school. A glossary concludes the guide. Contains 43 references. (KDFB)