I don't think splitting the twins up by putting one kid in one grade and one in the other is a good idea. I do however, believe they should be put into different classes. Usually with twins, one is more advanced and more mature than the other. Keeping them in the same classes in school may make that visible to them.
As for skipping grades, its really never a fantastic idea for any child. Just because they're academically ready to go ahead doesn't mean they're emotionally, physically or maturity wise ready. I'd be a hard transition for both boys, especially going into middle school and high school. Instead of keeping Jake from being challenged, I'd talk to the school and see what if they have any honors or gifted classes he can be put into. If not, look into other schools or advanced tutoring centers to see what's available. Before doing anything i would talk to your sons. See what their opinion is.
Keep in mind that many children who are advanced academically at a young elementary school level average out by high school.
2007-03-10 15:05:46
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answer #1
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answered by Sam 5
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You should not hold back Jake just because Nick is not as advanced as he is. Doing so could cause the Jake child to fall behind in his studies because he could become bored> If Jake wants to go to the higher grade, he should be allowed to. Just make sure you explain to Nick the situation, and be open to the fact that Jake might not want to stay a grade ahead an will want to go back with his brother. He should be give the chance to expand his knowledge at his rate and not at a rate that is determined by his age.
2007-03-10 14:48:50
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answer #2
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answered by lilly j 4
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I struggle with this because I have twin boys as well. They have been in separate classes since they entered Kindergarten, but they have remained in the same grade level. One of my boys is in a more advanced class than the other. I always worry wht my decision will be if the time ever comes when one may need to be held back.
If I were in your situation, I don't think I would allow my child to skip a grade. I don't know how far advanced he is academically, but his maturity level is probably still that of a 7 year old. It may be difficult for him to fit in with other 3rd graders since they will be older than him.
I would recommend, since Nick isn't as advanced academically as Jake, to separate them when they start 2nd grade. Request that the school place Jake in a gifted and talented program or advanced class. This will allow Jake to be challenged more and may also relieve pressure off of Nick.
2007-03-10 11:14:05
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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I have 21 month old twins. I want my twins to be close, but be their own person at the same time. It might help that I had boy/girl twins, but I don't really think that makes much difference. My husband and I noticed early early on, that they couldn't sleep without each other. I recently seperated them, and my youngest two boys sleep together now, and my daughter and my oldest son have their own rooms. We had a really rough weekend, but they got used to it.
I suggest talking to them about it. They're old enough to voice their opinions on the matter. And you have to do what's best for them as individuals. If it's going to be better, in the long run, for the one to skip a grade, then that's probably what should be done. Perhaps you could arrange that they have lunch together, or recess at the same time? Who knows.
In the end, you're the parents, and you have to do what you think is best for your children. Sit them down, and include them in the conversation. Make sure, that although you value their opinions, ultimately you'll do what you feel is best. They'll appreciate that you want their input on the matter. Best of luck!
2007-03-10 11:10:16
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answer #4
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answered by Patty O' Green 5
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That's definitely a tough call. I don't think kids will make fun if one of your kids is moving up. I'd be more worried about that if one of them was being held back. It would be easier to keep them together, but does easier necessarily mean better? If you decided to keep the boys in the same grade, you definitely need to create an IEP for Jake to make sure that his needs are still being met. You'll need to challenge him more at home as well. I would also recommend that in the future the school try to keep them in different classes rather than the same one. That will make it a lot easier to differentiate without feelings being hurt. Good luck and best wishes for whatever you decide. :)
2007-03-10 12:02:17
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answer #5
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answered by elizabeth_ashley44 7
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Hi; I have a twin sister and all thru school we where required to be in seperate classes when possible. Turned out to be no problem. I agree that boy/boy twins will play and bond differnet then boy/girl twins but they still have to be themselfs.
As far as skipping a grade, ask the kids. You decide if there is a big enough gap in their knowlegde to justify a grade split or not.
It is Not just test scores that matter it is how they will interact with older kids and a lot to do with the school system. If you move will they still qualify for the grade split? Some school systems are tougher then others. You may be in a tough one for all I know.
2007-03-10 11:21:22
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answer #6
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answered by Carl P 7
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As a teacher, why do they want to let Jake skip a grade? While intellectually he may be there, is he there emotionally? There's a big difference between first and second grade in maturity, as well as work load (roughly, homework will double, he will be "preparing" for third-grade tests in most states, etc.) Has he physically matured enough (kids can be cruel to someone they perceive as "the shrimp"). Is his birthday at a point where he won't be "so" young compared to the rest of the kids? (Say, a June birthday as opposed to a January birthday?).
How do your sons feel about it? How does your other son feel about being the "slower" child (regardless of how it's phrased, he'll catch on). In the end, any teacher worth her salt should be able to deal with a "gifted" child anyway. In my fourth grade class, I had students working at a 1st grade reading level, and students at an 8th grade reading level, and I was able to adapt the lessons for them. I myself was gifted (I read before kindergarten), but had a great kindergarten and first grade teacher. It was only when I went to second grade that "skipping" me was discussed, even though I'd been testing at an eighth grade level in first grade. I also wasn't bored before then, as my teachers adapted plans for me.
Sounds like the school/teacher might just be lazy. Examine the whys and ask LOTS of questions.
2007-03-10 12:02:51
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answer #7
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answered by katheek77 4
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It's great that your son is so smart, but I think you should keep them together. That way they will graduate the same time and be at the same place in their lives together, it will be much easier on them when the go to middle school and high school to know another person and if you split them up, Jake will have to deal with things by himself. Try talking to your children and also to the school to see if Nick could possibly be moved up too, maybe with some extra tutoring?
2007-03-10 11:08:13
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answer #8
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answered by Pax H 1
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I think you should ask your twins. Ask them what they prefer. They are 7 now and I'm sure they are starting to build their own individual identity. Explain that Nick isn't dumb, just that Jake has different needs and skipping the second grade could provide a good opportunity for him. You might find, that Jake doesn't even want to skip the 2nd grade.
2007-03-10 11:08:30
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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As a teacher, I believe splitting up the kids (at the same grade level) is beneficial for both of them. Sometimes the more advanced child allows his sibling to become too dependent. I have had twins in my class and requested that one of them be placed in another class. The one I kept in my class was initially the lower-achieving child with very little self-esteem. However, after her twin sister was placed in the other class, my student blossomed to the amazement of her parents. She ended up outperforming her sister.
Having said that, I do not like students skipping a grade level, because the disadvantages often outstrip the advantages.
2007-03-10 13:33:18
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answer #10
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answered by elljay 3
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