Copyright 2009 Kathryn Whiteley – http://twinParenthood.com

Every new school year, multiples parents face one of the most important decisions effecting their twins, triplets, or higher order multiples’ education and mental well being. Should they be placed in the same classroom? or be separated?
Cartoon: twins in separate classes thinking of each other
In this article, Part 4 in our series on “Twins and Multiples in School — Together or Separate”, we’ll talk about helpful steps to ensure you are making an informed decision.

  1. Begin your annual evaluation in early spring each year. Schools often require parent input forms to be completed in Spring for the following school year.
  2. Gather information about the reasons to keep twins / multiples together or to separate them in the classroom. Evaluate your multiples for each item on the lists. How do they measure up?
  3. Seek input from many different sources who have been involved in the care-giving or education of your twins / multiples.
    • teachers (current, past, special classes / sunday school, etc.)
    • caregivers, babysitters, etc.
    • family
    • Professionals from whom your multiples have received services (such as psychologists, pediatrician, tutors, and/or school specialists)
  4. What are their perceptions? Try to ensure you are listening to their input rather than adding your own perspective.  Children often behave differently in the various environments in their world. How they behave in class can be significantly different from their behavior in your home.
    • are your little ones outgoing, or shy?
    • play only with each other? or with other kids?
    • is one more dominant than the other(s)?
  5. Consult your multiples. What do they want? Do they want to be together in class? or to be separated? Often they have insight into their own relationship and need to feel that they had input into the decision (especially true for older children).
  6. Obtain information from potential educators.  What is their policy (or practice) on twins/multiples? Why? It is important to understand the reasons for their position, so that you can respond accordingly.
    • school principal
    • school administrators
    • school counselors
    • administrators of the school district
  7. Document your preference in writing for the school, providing bullet points supporting your request. Also make note of any factors that might indicate the alternative position, along with possible solutions for how those circumstances can be mitigated or minimized. Presenting a well researched and thought out position will increase the chances that the placement of your twins will be carefully considered by school administrators. 

Taking the time to make a careful evaluation will pay off in enhanced learning opportunities for your twins / multiples.  As the dynamics change, a new evaluation is necessary each and every year. The reasons you based your decision upon last year might no longer apply.

The next article in this series, part 5, will discuss what to do if your twins or multiples’ placement is contrary to your wishes, or you are not consulted in the decision.

Read the full series:

Copyright 2009 Kathryn Whiteley – http://twinParenthood.com

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