A second-grader's reasoning about why he doesn't need to read or write, after being brought to my room to work:

Teacher - Now, Ms. Taylor asked that you write three sentences about the play.

Kid - It was dumb.

T - Great, that's one. Why was it dumb?

K - It was just dumb.

T - What was dumb?

K - everything.

T - I'm just going to take some notes here (writes down "dumb")

T- The music?

K - dumb.

T - The costumes?

K - dumb.

T - the words?

K - dumb.

T - great, we have our three things that were dumb (writes them down). Why were they dumb?

K - they were just dumb.

T - what was dumb about them?

K - they were just dumb. (this goes on about two minutes, the assistant goes to get the vice principal, with whom this child has a behavior agreement)

K - I choose that there would be no school and I could play gameboy all day.

T - how would you get money for food? They don't pay people for playing gameboy.

K - I would buy a gun and then go hunting. I'd get a fishing pole and go fishing.

T - got a hunting license?

K - no.

T - well, you have to have one. And to get one, you have to read the hunting pamphlet, so I guess you need to read. At least just the words you use the most.

K - What about fishing?

T - You need a licence for that too. The government's got you coming and going. That means you have to pay to do everything.

K - My only best words are "crap" and "no".

T - really? Do you think you could walk into the grocery store and get food if all you said was, "crap"?

K - (giggling) yes!

T - I don't think so! That's pretty silly!

(vice principal comes in and reminds student of what step
they're on with the behavior contract)

K - (now in teacher's office area) I wish there was no such thing as school. Who cares about missing recess anyway?

T - (planned ignoring)

K - (louder) Who needs school? Who cares about school anyway? I mean, it's dumb.

T - (more ignoring, typing this)

K - (articulating carefully) I... mean... who... needs... school? It's dumb.

(Recess is now over, nothing has been written except a few scribbles, and the student is escorted back to class.)