I am sure there are threads on here about this topic but I couldn't find one. What are the pros and cons of keeping twins together in school? I read on another site that this was a law they are trying to change and it made me think what is the big deal? I mean common sense tells me that they will stick with each other and not branch out. What else?
I've only read a little bit about it -- but, the laws vary by state. Some schools will separate twins as a matter of course, despite the parents' wishes. I think the reasoning is that it makes it easier on the teacher (to tell identicals apart? unsure why else). I think some twins thrive by being in separate classes -- they make their own friends and develop their own interests, and they're not constantly lumped together as a unit. Also, they're not constantly compared -- you avoid labels like "the smart one" or "the athletic one" etc. But, I have also heard that twins often do poorly in school if they're separated, so ideally, the decision should be left up to the parents, based on the kids' personalities. Also, practically speaking, two sets of homework, field trips, class projects, etc. can be too much -- and, it's hard for a parent to be in two places at the same time for parents' night, class plays, whatever.... I know Twins Magazine always has a lot of info about this -- I've just jotted down the little bit I've gleaned. I bet you'll learn a lot more if you ask this on the 5-11 board!
[SIZE=10pt]I know that at the school I work (on leave this year...still trying to decide for next) at we leave it up to the parents. Becca listed a lot of the reasons in her post. I think it all depends on your kiddos. I've known both twins and triplets that have been in the same classes and seperate. I don't think that there is any one "right" way. I probably won't make the decision until I register them...and even then it can always be changed if their not doing well with the decision I've made. April [/SIZE]
There are discussings on this topic in the 5-12 forum, and the Educational Issues and Achievements forums. For what it is worth, I don't buy the 2 sets of work issue. If they were different ages and in different grades, homework wouldn't be a second thought. You need to keep the children's best interests in mind, not what is easiest for the parent.
I'm in a very similar situation as April---I'm a teacher on leave for the year. I had twins in my 1st grade class last year and it worked out fine. Te kids and parents were both happy. I agree, though, it depends on each individual situation. I won't personall make a decision until the time comes, so I can see how my sons' personalties develop. Lisa
I've had the issue with daycare (have a while until they're in school) as they've asked what I'd prefer. At this age and time, I prefer for them to be together, however, as they get older, I will have to see what I think works best for them and what they want as well. I believe "most" schools will work with you this.
I wonder about this too. It seems like the answer is a great big "it depends." I'm sure by the time my kids are in school I'll have a sense of whether they'd do better together or apart. Mommy instinct will always be there to help you sort it out!
In Texas, I believe, they just changed the law. It is now up to parents to decide whether or not they want their twins together. I think that every situation is unique and it should be left up to the parent to decide what is best for their children. My niece and nephew are 11 years old and are in 5th grade. They have never been in the same class together. That was my SIL's decision and what she thought was best for her kids.
I think the pros and cons are completely dependent upon each set of twins! That said, I grew up in a very small town with only one class per grade, and they ended up keeping my brother back a year in the third grade to separate us, we were THAT bad together (competitive, etc.). Years later, when we were in high school, we ended up in a chemistry class together and it was just as bad.
