Our recent discussion about twins in the classroom has lead me to many different thoughts. My first thought came from my parenting instinct. I questioned why schools would even consider making the decision for parents. My next thought came from the teacher perspective. As a teacher I understand that at times we see things that parents simply do not realize about their own children.
My last couple of articles gave discussion to some reasons why a teacher may suggest that a parent separate twins into two different classrooms. Those reasons included academic, social, and dependency on one another.
In this article I will conclude my list of reasons why a teacher may feel that it is best to separate multiples.
Preoccupation with one another
I see this one a lot with all close siblings not just twins or multiples. Children who grow up in the same house get accustomed to playing with one another. They get comfortable with one another. This happens more when the children are closer to the same age. When placed in a new environment, the children tend to stick with one another. They have each other and often do not seek others. When a set of twins only talks and plays with each other, it may be good for them to be separated. When separate they will more likely seek the friendship of others and make new friends outside of the family.
Behavior
Yes it can be true. You know the saying that says twins are double trouble. While not all twins are trouble, some can be. When there is a behavior issue with the twins, the two may need to be separated for the sake of the teacher and the other students. I actually know one set of twins where the two boys were both so bad that the teachers did not feel like anyone should have to have both of them in one class. When separated the behavior of the children was better. However, when they were together the mischief began!
To Separate or Not to Separate Twins in the Classroom