My past couple of articles have addressed twins in the classroom. I was very surprised to find that some schools have a very strict policy that says twins or multiples must be in separate classes.
Due to this strict policy, some states have passed bills that allow parents a say in whether their multiples stay together in school or are in separate homeroom classes.
Although I feel that a bill should not be needed to give parents a say in their child’s education, I agree with it.
There are many reasons why the school should not make the decision alone.
When a child enters kindergarten we as teachers know very little about how he or she will respond to school. However, the parents have spent the last five years getting to know their child. Most parents can accurately predict how their children will react to the school setting.
Therefore, I feel that the parent should make the decision for at least the multiples’ first year of school. After the teacher has had time to observe the children in the classroom environment, he or she may have more input into whether it is best for the children to remain together or stay apart for the next year.
If a parent is instant on the children remaining together, why not let the children? If the children are loved, clothed, and fed then I cannot image them being traumatized by being in the same classroom.
I think that the school should only get involved in the home life of children and the decisions of parents if the children are in danger or not being taken care of in a proper manner.
I feel the same why when it comes to retention. As teachers, we make recommendations based on our professional opinion. However, no one can truly know what time will tell or what a child’s future will hold. Therefore, we do the best that we can.
What works for one set of multiples may not be best for another.
To Separate or Not to Separate Twins in the Classroom