Twins in School: The Placement Issue

Dr. John Mascazine

Parents are increasingly concerned about the placement of their multiple-birth children in school. Interestingly, many states (in the U.S.) have passed laws regarding school placement, and many other states are considering such laws. The laws are a formal way of enforcing sound professional policy. In other words, there would be no need for such laws if school administrators and education professionals would consider the needs of each set of twins or multiples and their educational needs before making a placement decision. This is typically the procedure for other students in unique circumstances, and is routinely done for students with individual social, behavioral, or disability issues. Why then, should it be much different for students who happen to have a same age brother or sister?

Each child unique?

Education professionals know that each child and each student is unique in his / her educational development and learning needs. We realize that one approach or one strategy will not adequately address the needs of everyone in our class. Therefore, the most effective teachers vary their teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of their students.

Anyone studying twins and multiples realizes this as well: each set of siblings is unique as a set. Therefore, one policy or placement strategy will not “fit” each set of siblings. Some siblings do very well to work and learn in the same room or within easy sight of each other. Some siblings benefit from time away from their sibling(s) as a way of discovering talents or making new friends. And for some, the placement arrangement will not matter. The point is:

It doesn’t make sense to have a policy that doesn’t address or consider the needs of all types of twins / multiples.

The only policy should be a flexible policy. A flexible policy realizes the need for different approaches and different placement arrangements. It also places importance on evidence (or data) to make decisions that are most likely to be in the best interest of the children. And finally, a flexible policy includes a review and revisit process in the case where a placement decision appears to be counter-productive to the development of the children.

Continue reading to find out what research shows and how to know whether or not to separate your twins in the classroom. Also great tips on how to work with your children’s school to ensure the best possible support for you children by reading the rest of the article on page 48 & 49 & 53 in the Spring 2013 issue of Multiplicity  Magazine. Also find some useful resources to help along the way.

Dr. John Mascazine is a twin researcher at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, Ohio and has explored how twins and same-age siblings learn and interact in the school environment. He teaches education courses to pre-service teachers and experienced teachers seeking master’s degrees. He has been investigating twins and how they learn since 1995, completing his dissertation research on the unique learning styles and study strategies of fraternal and identical twins in 1998.

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Five questions to ask before registering your twins for preschool

Separate Classes or the Same? One Twin Moms Experience

Five questions to ask before registering your twins for preschool

By: Linda Jenkins

It’s that time of year when moms of twins start looking around for preschools. If you live in a place where preschools are private and you have options, it’s important to ask some questions.
I’m a mom of three and a half-year-old twins, who are thriving in preschool now. I wanted to share my list of important topics to ask, before registering your twins for preschool – communication, safety, curriculum, discipline, and costs. I learned by example, (with some hiccups along the way), but in the end, my twins both love attending preschool, even
when they can’t agree on anything else.

Ask Joan – Twin boys need some space

I have twin toddler (3.5 year old) boys. They are inseparable; they literally share everything (or fight for everything). If one goes somewhere, so does the other. I recently spoke to our curriculum developer at the boys preschool who suggested moving the boys to separate rooms. The boys seem to think that they must play with one another even at times when they clearly do not want to play together. What are your thoughts on allowing preschool aged twins to have their own space? I am noticing they also have some behavior issues and tend to ignore/disregard requests from me and my spouse. Any thoughts on this matter, Joan? ~ Rhonda

Dear Rhonda:

It seems that both you and the preschool professional are recognizing that your sons need some space from each other. Helping twins gradually get accustomed to being separated from their twin is an emotional gift with life-long benefits. At times, the twinship, like many other intimate relationships, can feel intrusive; we all need some alone time (some of us need more than others). The fact that your boys feel compelled to be together, even in the face of conflict and aggressive behavior, suggests that they have not had the opportunity to experience time away from each other. Since your boys are so accustomed to being together, I don’t believe that giving them separate bedrooms at this particular time is the best solution. Rather, I suggest that you and your husband begin to spend time alone with each of your sons.

However, you must be prepared to handle the complaints that will undoubtedly erupt as you begin to incorporate alone time into your family routine. It is best to begin with small increments of time and then gradually lengthen the outings as everyone begins to enjoy the luxury of one-on-one time. For example, begin by taking each boy out on an errand and switch off the next time so that each one has time alone with you and your husband. Be very clear about explaining that this is a new family activity that is going to be fun because each will have mommy/daddy to himself. You will be amazed, pleased, and relieved to experience how well-behaved each boy can be and how lovely it is to appreciate each child’s personality without his brother around. You can arrange as much separate time as your schedules allow, and as the boys can tolerate. When they are comfortable with this new routine, you can also suggest alone time with other family members, as well. Your family must be committed to the idea and follow through with taking turns and making plans in order for alone time to be cherished and effective.

… To continue reading what advice Joan has to offer turn to page 35 in the Fall issue of Multiplicity Magazine.

Dr. Friedman is a prominent and well-respected twin expert who shares her passionate views and insights with twins and their families throughout the world. The fact that she is an identical twin and the mother of five, including fraternal twins, makes her ideally suited to this task. Her commitment to twin research and her treatment of twins of all ages demonstrate the breadth and depth of her skills and experience. She conducts ongoing groups for parents of twins and provides consultation on twin-related matters such as school placement, developmental discrepancies, and behavioral issues.

Thinking About Preschool? Read These Tips!

by: Notoya Green.

-I hate to break it to you, but the preschool admissions process is right around the corner if you are thinking about preschool for Fall. So here are some rock solid tips to help you with creating your list of schools and getting into the school of your choice!!!

1. Generally in NYC, preschool applications are due the year before your child enters preschool. There are some schools with rolling admissions, but most preschools in NYC will require you to apply a year in advance.

2. Parents of older children (3 and over) will likely have an easier time getting into preschool. There are more schools to choose from for older children (not all schools have a program for kids under 3) and the class sizes are larger. So there are more seats available!

3. When creating your list of preschools think about the school’s:

• Location – You generally want a school that is close to home. Remember your child won’t just be going to school there. They will also attend play dates there, birthday parties etc.).