In my latest series of articles I have been discussing twins in the classroom. It seems that some schools have created policies to keep twins separated into different homerooms. Some states have passed bills to allow parents the choice of having their twins or multiples together or separate. I have also listed some advantages of why it is best for twins to stay together. I have even questioned why the schools should get involved in the decision.
As you know I am a teacher. Therefore, this article is coming from a teacher’s perspective. While I still feel that parents are ultimately responsible for their child’s future, there are some cases when teachers know best.
Sometimes teachers see things in a different light than parents. Sometimes it is hard for parents to accept what the teacher sees. For this reason, if the teacher feels that it is best for the multiples to be separated then the issue should be discussed and considered.
However, this discussion would take place after classroom observation and not because of a school wide policy made to fit every set of multiples.
I feel that there are several reasons why a teacher might suggest that multiples be separated.
Academic Differences
In some cases, one twin greatly outshines the other. Every now and then one child will have much greater academic strengthens than the other child. This may be a reason to give the children some space. Although one twin’s weaknesses may not be major compared to other children, they are magnified one thousand times when compared to his or her twin. It can be difficult to ever get a chance at the spotlight when you are in a classroom with a brother or sister that continuously comes out on top. Both children may feel more confident if they feel that they are not so closely compared, as children are when they are in the same room.
To Separate or Not to Separate Twins in the Classroom