I'm probably over analyzing - But I'd like opinions anyway

luvmykids wrote: There had been some question as to whether or not the twins would be in the same class for K, depending on the teachers. After meeting the teachers tonight, they said it's up to me as long as they screen similarly, which I'm sure they will.

They really, really want to be in the same class and I'd been fine with that, but now I'm not sure for a few reasons. First of all, last year in pre-k they were in different classes and I think it was good for them to make their own friends. Kylie especially. I'm also worried because she is way ahead of Colt in writing and is starting to read a little, I don't want Colt to be made any more aware of that than he already is, kwim? He already asks why it's hard for him, I've always chalked it up to him not being interested like she is but lately I've been thinking that because it's so easy for her and hard for him he gives up. I'm sure kinder will help him a lot, I just don't want him to be further discouraged by being in such close comparison with her. And lastly, I'm ok with them being so close and leaning on each other and for the most part feel as life goes on and they find their interests, etc they'll grow out of that a little bit but I don't know if I should let it ride or if I should start encouraging that separation.

There are benefits of them being in the same class too, on the flip side I think they'll both be a little more confidant knowing the other is right there with them.

Sorry this got long, like I said, I'm probably over thinking it, I just hate the thought of doing the wrong thing for them, either way.

maestra replied: I know it's hard!

As the teacher, I have experienced both situations. Personally, I found that it was better to separate the twins if one was dominant over the other, either personality wise, or academically. Behavior is something else to think about. If one tends to get into a little bit of trouble, the other may tend to tattle once they both arrive at home.

If they are both very independent of each other, then having them in the same class can be a very good thing.

Can they be in two separate classrooms where the teachers work closely together? Sometimes teachers form parternships, and tend to get the kids together a lot. You might ask to see if there is a situation like that.

HTH, a little! And it's not permanent- you can always put them back together, or separate them for first!

lovemy2 replied: IMO - and I have no experience with Twins other than my little cousins who are now like 13 or 14 - but they were NOT in the same class from K on up till now - I personally think it is better if they AREN"T in the same class - I don't think ANYTHING can EVER break that twin bond so that being said - to help foster their own individuality they should be in seperate classes....JMO - but I can see where it would be hard to decide -

Let us know what you decide!!

Our Lil' Family replied: I don't know Mon, I'd be torn too. On one hand I'd want them to be together while they are young and before their own interests separate them. But on the other I see the benefits of them developing their own friends and strengths and not feeding off of each other. I can totally picture them coming home and they can't wait to share their day with each other, puts a smile on my face thinking about it and I'm not even their mother!!

Tough call girl but I know you'll make the right decision.

gr33n3y3z replied: if I had twins I would split them up
only bc they will be up each others rear ends all the time later on in high school bc they wont split them up then well not here they wont
But its your choice as in what to do and I'm sure you will do what is best for your children

Kaitlin'smom replied: well this is my opinion from seeing twins in Kaitlins class last year, I would separate them. Now I dont know your kids but IMO these girls needed to be in different classes. They were so dependant on each other I think if they had been separated they would have done much better socially and acedemically.

Hillbilly Housewife replied: Growing up, twins and close siblings were always in the same class.

redchief replied: That's a tough one. I don't think that Colt will take long to figure out that Kylie more adept academically than he is regardless of whether he's in the same class or not. That equality among kids nonsense is a myth only parents and the sadly led on believe. Everyone has their own talents and weaknesses.

The secret, I think, is in making choices which give the kids their best advantages to do two things... One, help them master their talents as well as possible, and two, to understand and overcome their shortcomings so that they aren't feeling inadequate. In your cases the decision of whether or not to separate the twins in school might be based upon weighing out how to accomplish the objectives to achieve those goals.

cameragirl21 replied: Well, I guess I'm the odd one out here because I'd keep them together. ITA with Ed about how Colt will figure out about Kylie being ahead of him regardless of your splitting them up or not.
The way I see it, they will develop their own interests and go their separate ways soon enough and if they want to be together now, more power to them. Too many siblings can't stand to be in the same room so if you happen to have a set of twins that want to be together, why split them up?
JMO of course.

BAC'sMom replied: If they were mine I would split them up ans see how it goes, you can always change your mind later.

Go with your gut! As they say Mommy’s always know best

MommyToAshley replied: I don't have any experience with twins... except that I dated one in High School.

But, my first thought was to keep them together until I read further in your post. Then, as I began to think about it, I would probably separate them. Siblings will always be compared to one another, but I would imagine even more so when they are twins. I think I would prefer that they had different teachers that would work with them as individuals and their talents and weaknesses likewise. Ashley had a very good friend in preschool... they were more like sisters than friends. And, when I went to her parent-teacher conference, there were times when I felt like I was gettting a report on them as a group. I would imagine it would be a similar experience with twins.

Brias3 replied: My initial thoughts were to let them enter kindergarten in the same class this year, and then make the transition next year if need be. The first "real" year of school can be a bit daunting, they might feel more at ease with each other to turn to.

I do understand and sympathize with your concern about Colt feeling more aware of his pace for reading, but what I'm thinking is that being exposed to other kids with varying abilities and paces of learning will kind of equal things out in his mind. Right now, it probably stands out because its his sister and its more evident. Being in a larger group tends to reduce the singling out when it comes to how they percieve their peers.

Just my ideas, it has to be your gut feeling. They are your children and you know them well enough to be able to guess at how they'll do in this situation. Either way, don't hang it over your head that one decision will be right and one will be wrong. I truly think that they will blossom in many ways either way. Good Luck!!

luvmykids replied: Bria, I was just coming here to post your first two sentences!

I think, on their part, wanting to be together stems from the fact it's a new school, REAL school, new kids, etc. I think I'm going to go ahead and let them be in the same class, they'll have a successful year under their belts next year and have a better idea what they're in for.

I agree with what Ed said about Colt, and it ties in with what Bria said, being in a class will probably equalize things a little and make the gap seem smaller. Instead of "shielding" them from the things the other excels at, the goal should be to help each of them find and appreciate their own areas of excellence.

I may ask the teachers for their expert opinions, but I think I'm going to let them be together this year. As someone else said, we have plenty of time for them to go their own routes.

Thanks for all the input guys

amynicole21 replied: If it were up to me, I would separate them. Like you said, let them develop as a "singleton" for a little while. I think it would be good for them. But I see your point about letting them lean on eachother for a little longer.

sparkys2boys replied: What do the kids really really want??? I think I would go with what they were most comfortable with in the end!! Hope you work it out!

luvmykids replied: I couldn't make up my mind so at the screening I told the teachers to decide. They both worked with each of the twins individually and separately and felt like there wouldn't be any reason not to let them be together. Colt actually screened very, very closely to Kylie (who screened way at the top) so I don't think he's as far behind her as I thought he was.

Anyhow, they'll be together and are SO excited. It eased the pain of not getting the teacher they wanted

Brias3 replied: Good to hear things worked out! I think you'll be happy with the decision and I think the twins will have a fantastic first year in school