I graded my vocabulary test from last week and needless to say I was quite disappointed.  My vocabulary list builds each week which means that you will have a longer list, but there are only a few new words.  I asked the students to write down why they made a failing grade.  Here are a few of the responses.

• I didn't have time to study because I had spelling homework. (Funny thing....he hasn't turned in his spelling homework for two weeks.)
• I studied but my sister was playing and I paid more attention to her.
• I didn't study.  I didn't want to study.
• I didn't study.  I went to my cousin's house. (They have the whole week to study, so I couldn't understand how one day at his cousin's house caused him to fail!  Go figure!)
• I was too busy playing with my step brother and sister to study.
• I didn't study because I didn't think I needed to.
• I didn't study.  I was watching t.v.
• I didn't study because I had to go to bed. (Of course, my question was "When did you start studying?"
• I didn't study enough!
• I didn't study real well because I had to watch t.v. ("had" to watch t.v.  What...was it life or death?)

Then, to really put things in perspective I gave a test on the continents.  Yes, I told them they had to label the continents and spelling counted. 

Student:  Are you going to write the continents on the board?

Teacher:  Hmmm.... now if I did that I would give you the answers.

Student:  Well, then how will I know how to spell them?

Teacher:  Remember I told you that spelling counted.

Student:  Oh...well I guess I will just spell Alabama the best I can.  (No....you guessed it.  We are not in Alabama.)