• About Me
  • Privacy Policy and Disclosure Policy

Shann Eva's Blog

A peek into my messy life with 3 boys

  • Home
    • My Delivery Story
    • Twin Pregnancy
  • Work with Me!
  • Money-Saving Links
  • Blog
    • Shann’s Favorites
    • Shopping
    • Birthdays
    • Health
    • Micro Preemie Mondays
  • Submit Your Story
    • Share an Update
  • Twin pregnancy
You are here: Home / Blog / Separate Classrooms, Pros and Cons for our twins

Separate Classrooms, Pros and Cons for our twins

October 11, 2016 By Shann 27 Comments

Separate Classrooms

It was a hard decision, but we decided on separate classrooms for the twins this year. Even though it is only preschool, it’s still their first time in a classroom-type setting. We wanted them to have the best experience, and we also wanted to prepare them for kindergarten.

Everyone seems to have an opinion when it comes to what to do with twins for school, but this was our decision. It may not be right for everyone or every set of twins, but I’ve put together a list of pros and cons from our experience so far. I’m hoping it will help other families, and also help us make a decision for kindergarten next year.

Are separate classrooms right for your twins? I'm weighing the Pros an Cons

The Decision

So, how did we come to the decision to put the twins in separate classrooms?

Well, we talked about it a lot. We also asked the twins what they would like to do. One wanted to be in his own, and one wanted to be with the entire family. Sorry, kid. That’s not happening. But, it was a cute answer.

We finally decided on separate classrooms for 2 reasons.

The first reason is that Big C is more dominant. Every time we’re reading a story or I ask a question, he always answers. He doesn’t let Little P take a turn. I know that waiting your turn and raising your hand before speaking is something they will eventually learn in school, but it’s not something they entirely understand yet.

The second reason is they are always together. They sleep in the same room, they play together at home, they go to childcare at the gym together, they eat together, watch the same shows…you can see where this is going. They’ve never been apart for more than an hour or two since the NICU. I’ve taken one to the store with me on a very rare occasion, and I also took one to the Urgent Care alone, but that’s about it.

We wanted to give them a chance to be by themselves and see what it’s like. Let them make their own friends, explore and play on their own, and have a few different experiences. Preschool is only a couple of times a week, so if they don’t like it, they can spend every other second of the week together.

The Pros

So far, the twins have been loving preschool and their teachers. Here’s all the good stuff that has happened so far:

  • Making their own art projects
  • Each having something different to talk about when they get done with school
  • Making their own friends
  • Being happy to see each other (and me!) at the end of school
  • Being known by their names, not just “the twins”
  • Learning to share when each one gets a different “treat” from class
  • Each having their own teacher who they really love

The Cons

There are a few things that came up that we didn’t really think about before separating them. They are not all necessarily bad, but it gives us something to think about for next year.

  • Different projects in class…which leads to one being jealous and envious of the other project.
  • More work for Mom and Dad…keeping up with two different classroom updates, special days, “homework,” paperwork, volunteering, and field trips
  • Two different sets of friends = Two different playdates

Things to Think About

So, as you can see, for the most part, it has been a good decision for Preschool. I love that they each have something to talk about when they get home. It feels like they each have something special of their own. I also love that they get some social interaction with other kids on their own.

We have had some tough days, though. The first couple days, especially, they got very upset when they didn’t each make the same art project. One also got a birthday treat that the other didn’t get. He did share with his brother, though! Progress!

The other big obstacle was the field trip. Only one classroom was going, so I made the decision to not let Little P go with his class. I thought that might be too hard for them to understand why one went and the other didn’t.

Instead, he stayed with his brother’s class that day…which they also really liked. The kids in the class were a little confused. One even commented that there were 2 Big C’s in class! Kids are so funny.

So, will they stay in separate classes for kindergarten? We’ll see. There is a lot more “homework,” field trips, and activities that might be hard if they are separated. Plus, kindergarten is a full day, and I don’t know if they want to be apart that long every day.

For now, we’ll keep plugging along, and see how they feel in a couple of months. I’m really glad we tried the separation, no matter what we decide next.

Vote For Me @ The Top Mommy Blogs Directory

Filed Under: Back-to-School, Blog, Twins Tagged With: field trips, friends, identical twins, identity, kindergarten, preschool, school, separate classrooms, sharing, teachers, Twins

Comments

  1. Terri Lynn Grothe says

    October 12, 2016 at 10:54 am

    There would def be pros and cons to this situation. I have heard of twins staying together as it works best for them, I am sure the right choice will be made

    Reply
  2. Lindsay @ The Flynnigans says

    October 12, 2016 at 3:45 pm

    I think it’s super sweet that one share the birthday treat with his brother. Kids are so funny and innocent eh? It’s adorable that they were interested yet confused as to why there was two Big C’s in class. 🙂

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      October 13, 2016 at 9:19 pm

      The teacher thought it was hilarious! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Lauren B. says

    October 12, 2016 at 4:34 pm

    It sounds like you really thought out this decision and it sounds like a good thing for the boys.

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      October 13, 2016 at 9:18 pm

      Thank you Lauren!

      Reply
  4. Tiffany Austin says

    October 12, 2016 at 8:41 pm

    Wow Shann! Good for you – it must have been a hard decision but it sounds like you thought it out really well. Sounds like it really is what is best for them and your family. Good luck!

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      October 13, 2016 at 9:18 pm

      Thank you so much Tiffany!

      Reply
  5. Jasmine Hewitt says

    October 12, 2016 at 10:06 pm

    I can understand why you did this, and I like it. I don’t have twins, but I totally get the positives!

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      October 13, 2016 at 9:18 pm

      Thank you Jasmine!

      Reply
  6. My Urban Family says

    October 14, 2016 at 8:31 am

    I totally see why you made this decision – and best of luck! It will probably be more work but I’m sure it’ll be super worth it in the end. 🙂

    Reply
  7. Kate says

    October 14, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    Thanks for articulating all of your thoughts on this – not an easy decision for any multiple family!

    Reply
  8. Stef@CraftyChristian says

    October 14, 2016 at 2:56 pm

    This must’ve been a hard decision, but it seems like it will be really good for them! They’ll get to spread their wings and try their independence a bit. I’m sure they’ll have fun!

    Reply
  9. Susan Croox says

    October 14, 2016 at 9:06 pm

    Wow, I never even thought about this scenario. I have to say, before I had kids I thought having twins was like winning the lottery. Now I’m like, thank God it’s not me!

    Reply
  10. Krystal Miller says

    October 14, 2016 at 10:08 pm

    From a teacher perspective, I hated having twins in the same class. From a parent perspective, I can see the pros and cons of both sides. I think you have to do whatever works best for your family.

    Reply
  11. Julie S. says

    October 14, 2016 at 10:23 pm

    I think putting them in separate classrooms is a great idea and good for their development of their own personalities. I didn’t think about the two classroom projects and double the playdates issue though heh.

    Reply
  12. Jen C @ Apples & Oranges says

    October 14, 2016 at 10:26 pm

    All the twins I have known have been in separate classes. I’m sure yours will do great!

    Reply
  13. Stacy taylor says

    October 14, 2016 at 10:59 pm

    I agree with your decision. Nobody knows best more than their parents ? I hope they enjoy school

    Reply
  14. Megan Zakrewsky says

    October 15, 2016 at 7:48 am

    Great idea, and even better you’ve put so much thought into it. It’s awesome that you’re facilitating their individuality!

    Reply
  15. Shortsweetmom says

    October 15, 2016 at 11:00 am

    Separate class rooms seems like a great idea. I can see how it could also be challenging. I think it is really awesome that you are trying it out!

    Reply
  16. Chrissie M says

    October 15, 2016 at 10:24 pm

    I think this is a great idea for twins. It certainly gives them more room to grow their own personality and individuality. Great post!

    Reply
  17. Jill Robbins says

    October 16, 2016 at 9:18 pm

    We never even considered the same classroom when the boys got to elementary school. They were in the same class at preschool and it was just too much togetherness. They squabbled with each other way more than they did with the other kids and it’s nice that they have some time apart. The work for me is more, but it’s so much better for them.

    Reply
  18. Fullest Mom says

    October 17, 2016 at 9:59 am

    I’m glad you guys chose separate. I think if I had twins, I’d go that route, too. Full support of individualism. You all are awesome parents and I thank you, for sharing this topic with us. It couldn’t have been an easy decision, but I really feel you went the right way.

    Reply
  19. Inez @ For the Love of Mom says

    October 17, 2016 at 8:46 pm

    I have NO idea what I would do but, yes, I am sure everyone has an opinion! I do think that the idea of them not being “the twins” is a big pro of separate classes. I think it’s important to have something of their own. Maybe I am team separate classes. haha. Great post, I am sure this is very helpful for parents of twins. 🙂

    Reply
  20. Michael Kennerson says

    October 18, 2016 at 12:02 am

    Its hard but worth it. Sometimes it’s what you need…

    Reply
  21. Stefanie / The Monarch Mommy says

    October 18, 2016 at 10:41 am

    Sounds like you made the right decision!

    Reply
  22. Brittany Ferrell says

    March 10, 2017 at 9:21 pm

    As a teacher of thirteen years, I really think you made the right decision! What often ends up happening is that one twin ends up “mothering” the other twin. In separate classes, they learn to rely on themselves and shine on their own merit. However, sometimes you have no option but to have them in the same class, in which case, talk to the teacher about creative strategies. I made it work with enough together and apart time in one room. I just had to be a little crafty!

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      March 13, 2017 at 1:46 pm

      Awesome. Thank you for a teacher’s perspective…so helpful!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Meet Shann

Shann Hi! I'm a mom, writer, and dancer. I love sharing my parenting experiences, my healthy living tips, my money saving ideas, and our travel plans. My passion to help other women inspired this blog. I hope you'll stay a while and come back often.

Need Help Finding Something?

Follow Me

Subscribe to Blog

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Recent Posts

  • Middle Mom: Changes and Challenges February 21, 2023
  • Writing as Therapy May 16, 2022
  • COVID: The (Not) Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Guilt August 20, 2021
  • Healthy Lifestyle: Making Baby Steps Back July 27, 2021
  • 2020 Year In Review: The Highlights December 31, 2020

Facebook

Facebook
MKE Moms Blog
Copyrighted.com Registered & Protected 
M6VU-YLWL-D4JY-XAO4

Copyright © 2023 · Blog Design by Quality Websites On A Budget

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT