Google 20% Project

For my Google 20% project I am going to do a PowerPoint about sign language, and I am going to present it in sign language. I chose to do sign language, because I want to be a Special Ed. teacher, and sign language is a good thing to know if you want to go into that profession. For materials, I would only need an ASL dictionary. The hardest part of the project will probably be learning the sign language to present the project in. I can consult with my cousin's roommate, Jon, who works with autistic kids who speak sign language. I look forward to doing this project.

Chris Langan

Is Chris Langan successful? This question has confused me for days, but now I think I know the answer. Yes he is. Even though he is not a millionaire and he does not have a college degree and he can't get published, he is successful. He lives a happy life, and he is content with that. I do admit that it is sad that he couldn't get as far as he should've, but if he is happy, then he is successful. It is, however, a shame that he couldn't get the help and support he needed. He had more potential. Chris Langan is successful.

The Kindergarden Debate

Sam Wang and Sandra Aamodt wrote a New York Times opinion piece called "Delay Kindergarden at Your Child's Peril" about how if you are held back a year in kindergarden, being the oldest has more disadvantages than advantages. Malcolm Gladwell writes in his book "Outliers" that being the oldest has more advantages. 

I am one of the oldest kids in my grade because of the cut-off date (I just missed it by 6 weeks). Being the oldest, I know how it feels and all of the advantages and disadvantages that come with it. I completely agree with Gladwell's theory. I think that there are more advantages, such as maturity level, and brain development. 

In Outliers Gladwell states that hockey players born around January 1st are better at hockey. Why is this? This happens because they are playing with younger kids, because they just missed the cut-off date. Them being the older of the group means that they are bigger and more skilled than the other kids. This makes them seem more talented and they get into the varsity teams. Being the oldest in school is the same. You seem smarter, but you're not, you just have the skill level of a student a grade older than you.

Sam Wang and Sandra Aamodt say that being the oldest is bad, because older students are less motivated in high school, and get less time to earn money in their lifetime. I disagree, because I am in high school and I am very motivated (maybe too motivated). Also, I can make the same amount of money as a person younger than me. I agree more with Gladwell.