Teaching Twins & Multiples: Do you separate them or not?

According to allbaby.com, twin births have more than doubled since the 1970's. About one of every 35 births in the United States are twins. Even more significant is the number of triplet and higher multiple births which have increased 200 percent over the last three decades. So when it comes to sending them to school - what should you do?

By: Linda White | Alabama's13.com
Published: November 21, 2008

Not every parent is given a choice in this matter. In some schools - administrators make the decision for parents. At Clay Elementary they do give parents a choice - but they also make recommendations.

Teacher said, "Was he right? Yes, good job."

From kindergarten to fifth grade there are 16 sets of twins here at Clay Elementary.

Meet two sets - Cortlin and Caelin South in kindergarten...

Linda asks, "What are your favorite colors.” Caelin South answers, “Red.” Cortlin South answers, “Purple and pink."

…And Alonso and Ernesto Moreno in 3rd grade.

Ernesto Moreno answers, "So it's good to be a twin." Linda asks, "How about you Alonso, is it fun to be a twin? Alonso Moreno answers, “Yes, we get to play video games together and other things and sometimes we go outside and hit balls together."

Twins are built in playmates - but are they study buddies too? Some schools actually give parents a choice whether to keep multiples together or not. Like Caelin and Cortlin, their mom decided to separate them. While the Moreno boys were separated in kindergarten, they've been together in the same class ever since."

Whether parents realize it or not - children notice.

Linda asks, "What do you think about not being in the same classroom? Cortlin answers, “Well last time, we were in the same class, we used to fight."

Even teachers have a difference of opinion.

Caelin’s teacher, Gina Hitt said, "I feel like you have to go case by case according to the students, but my experience so far is, it's better to keep them separated."

Laura Lanier who teaches the Moreno twins thought the same thing until this year, the first time she's had each twin in her class.

Teaches Moreno Twins, Lauran Lanier said, "It's been neat, because they're identical twins and have the identical heart, the identical enthusiasm, wonderful sense of humor but are complete total opposites in as many ways as they can be."

When considering whether to separate multiples - officials weigh whether one twin is more dominant - separating may help them be more equal - albeit in separate classrooms. It is a personal decision for many families.