Thursday, October 09, 2008

What is "Normal"?


What would you prefer? To be considered "normal" or to be considered "exceptional"?

We all want to be special - but we all want to be just like everyone else.
Ask your teenagers.

What does it mean to be normal? What does normal look like?
Again, ask your kids.

We talk about diversity, equality, special interests, public interests, liberal, conservative, fundamental, orthodox, traditional, radical, individual, bias, and inequity. Children with disabilities have "special needs"; what does that say for children without disabilities? Children in gifted education have "special" gifts and talents; what does that say about the gifts and talents of other children?

I wonder sometimes what's so special about being special, but at the same time I wonder if there's anything normal about being normal? Just something to think about from one educator and parent.


If we're all different, does being different make you normal?