If you have twins, you’ve probably thought a great deal about whether or not you should let them be in the same class at school or separate them. Different parents and professionals have differing opinions on both. Some are in favor of keeping them together and some feel that separating them is for the best. Although my girls are only 3 it is a topic most parents ask as they enroll their children into primary school.
Most twins probably want to be together in school because it can be nerve wracking to walk into a new classroom alone. Having your brother or sister walk into that room with you will certainly put you at ease, which is wonderful, but will being together hurt the two in the long run?
In the US, some states, you will not have a choice. Some school officials believe that separating twins is in the best interest for the twins and will not allow you to persuade them any different. Sure, you can fight for your twins to stay together, but there is no law that states you can have what you want in that regard. Some officials have told parents who object to their rules to go ahead and homeschool their children rather than cause problems at school.
Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) does offer some guidelines for the placement of twins in schools. What this resource basically says regarding the placement of twins is that parents know what is best for their children most of the time and if they feel that the twins should be together in a classroom, then they should be allowed.
When deciding what is truly best for the children, ask yourself some key questions regarding the twins.
- Are they able to make friends independently? If they can, placement together would not pose a problem. If they cannot, they should be separated so that they can make friends.
- Would one twin be favored by teachers or students more than the other? If so, the twins should be separated.
- Do the twins cause ruckus when they are together that cannot be controlled by a teacher? If so, the twins should be separated.
- Does one twin dominate the other and tend to act as “the boss”? If so, it would be best for the twins to be separated.
- What do the twins want? Do they get along or argue a lot when together? If the twins tell you that they want to be separated, it may be best for them.
Once you have answered such questions, you will be better prepared to make the decision of how to place your twins in school. Feel free to discuss your concerns with school officials, as you all have the best interest of your children in mind. No matter how your twins are placed, be supportive of the decision and do your best to address any of their concerns in a positive light. Trust that all will be alright no matter what!
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