10 Things Teachers Need to Know About the Twins in Their Classrooms

This fall, my twins will take honors biology. Together. They’ll also take honors geometry. Together. If we had our preference, they’d be in separate classes but since their school is small, it only offers one honors class per subject so we’re stuck. But they won’t be the only multiples in those classes–another pair of twins will be there as well a set of triplets, too!

Oh, boy. Those poor teachers.

As a record-breaking number of twins reach school age this fall, more and more teachers are finding at least one pair of twins in their classrooms (and often triplets and quads). For some, this is their first experience in dealing with multiples. But even if a teacher is a seasoned pro, there are some general Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to multiples sharing a classroom.

1. Just because twins are together in the classroom doesn’t mean they always want to be together. Many twins take comfort in just knowing that their cotwin is around so it’s not necessary to always pair them together on joint or group projects. In fact, many twins prefer to work with someone other than their cotwin. Working independently of a cotwin not only helps each to learn and develop at his or her own pace but it will also help you differentiate between the two.