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Tailored to Fit
The Challenge of Homeschooling Multiples
By Teri Brown
So how can you be sure each of your multiples is getting individualized attention? "Many subjects can be taught at the same time, in the same manner, but still with individuality," says Camp. "For example, the parent can read the same book out loud to both children. She can do unit studies on the same topic. However, the output of the children, such as the questions they ask, the papers they write and the notebooks they keep will reflect their individuality."
Unit studies are an excellent way to individualize instruction. Parents may choose a topic, such as the Revolutionary War, and give your multiples the choice of what sort of report they want to write within that framework. One might choose to write on a battle, while the other might choose George Washington.
Another idea is to separate them while they are working on schoolwork and discuss the results with each child privately. This way, each child can go at his own pace without comparing himself to the others.
Camp suggests in her books that you look at what interests each of your children. What makes them come alive? Use those interests as a part of their individual educational program. Most of the time their interest will be as unique as they are. If one child enjoys science, you can incorporate it into many subjects, such as having them write reports with a scientific slant or read biographies on famous scientists. This hones their reading and English skills while keeping their homeschool program tailored. More than likely each multiple will have his own "spark."
Homeschooling multiples can certainly be a handful, but it is both challenging and rewarding. "They make an amazing team," says Castle. "I feel like I have a 'class,' not two individuals sometimes!"
As for her best advice to others giving it a go: "Keeping an open mind and knowing as much as possible about twin behaviors is the best advice I could give. They are not one child .. they are twins!"
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.