big preschool question

I have 2.5 year old b/g twins (and 1 year ds). DS has always been slower/behind DD. I am having a REALLY hard time with him trying to teach him colors and other things as anytime we ask him a question he shuts down and says "I don't know" DD has always been the dominant twin and I think he often looks to her to speak for him, to know what to feel in certain situations, etc..

I spoke to our Pediatrician about it and he said that it sounds like somewhat normal 2.5 year old boy behavior and not to worry and that he reccomends putting him in preschool this fall (2.5 hours 2 days a week).

Dh and I had gone back and forth on whether or not to enroll them in preschool or wait another year and we had decided to wait and simply enroll them in a "little learners program" that is only 1 hour 2 days a week (basically more of a pre pre-school) but that would mean that they are in the same class and I am thinking that they (mainly DS) would do better in a different class (maybe).

I know that seperate classes are hot topic of contention amoung twin moms and I really don't know what the best things is....

1) put DS in preschool and DD in the little learners program (preshool would be tues/thur 9-11:30 and little learners is Mon/Wed 9-10am
2) put them both in preschool but in different classes
3) put them both in the little learners program (which would mean they'd automatically be in the same class room)
4) or something else entirely that I haven't come up with......

I don't know if any of this has made sense but if anyone has any input I would be SO appreciative for some advice and opinions....

Thanks

 

I have found with my two that my daughter who was behind developmentally -- really was proud of herself after a day at daycare alone. I found that two days a week really seemed to solidify daycare --- since one day a week was too long between visits. I think the boys can really enjoy daycare too with the activity and being surrounded by other boys. I think we always think in "twins" but really so many kids have to start daycare alone. Sometimes it is good to think that even twins need time away from each other -- just like we need time away from our dh. My one twin goes by herself on Wed so I can take her sister to her various Dr. appointments, then on Thursdays they both go. I pick up extra days here and there to help the one twin get more than just the one day. By picking up the odd day I can work it around all the Dr. appointments.

BTW my one daughter has been behind and she has really taken off lately. Just continue to read stories and I've heard if the dh reads to the boys it gets the boys to read. My daughter was low in iron and it has really changed things around, that plus some tubes in her ears.

Heather

 

Personally, I would send them both to preschool in different classes. I assume they will be close to 3 by the fall and 5 hours/week is not a huge committment. With that said, what were your reasons for holding off on preschool? I too have b/g twins and it was very clear when they needed to be separated. While the initial separation was quite hard on my DS, it was the best thing I could have done for BOTH of them.

Best of luck

 

If I had your situation, I'd send them both to preschool but sep classes, Erica. No doubt GL!

 

Mine are not going to preschool anytime soon and the preschools here usually only have one room for the age group. The being said, I know that my more timid boy would benefit from some social time away from his bossy brother. If I had the option I would go for it.

 

I would put them both in the most appropriate class for them. If your dominant one needs a class that is more geared towards learning and your other one needs a class more geared towards play-based activities, then put them in the classes.

 

Thanks for ALL of the input I SO appreciate everyone's responses. I guess our initial reason for not doing pre school this year was simply b/c they just barely make the cut off for turning 3 (by 4 days) so we thought we hold off another year and do some "home pre-schooling" but that has gone over very poorly with my son and after a chat with his who seems to think that he'd do MUCH better in a formal preschool environment.

The other aspect of course is the $$ but Im sure when push comes to shove we can come up with the extra.

Thanks again ladies your input and opnions are invaluable!

 

Erica, do you have any cooperative nursery schools near you? This is what I decided to do with my b/g twins who will be 3 just a few days shy of the September cut-off. Cost-wise it is MUCH less expensive than traditional nursery schools. Plus, you get to spend time participating in their schooling.

Good luck!!
Jenny

 

Mine turned 3 last 8/22/09, so they made the preschool cut off by 8 days. DD was weaker in many ares than DS, and he is weaker in areas too. For many reasons, we sent them to SEPARATE PRESCHOOLS, her 4 days a week, and he 2 days a week. The times mostly overlap, but not entirely.
It was the BEST thing we ever did. DD took off with flying colors, and stopped doing everything that DS did. She grew and flourished on her own. It was phenominal! I highly recommend separating them if you can.