No Stupid Questions, Part 1

I know the lovely, oft-repeated phrase, "The only stupid question is an unasked question," or even more exact, "There is not stupid question," is essentially true. However, I don't think that whomever it was that came up with those phrases ever worked with 12-year-olds.

For instance, how can "Do I need to put my name on my paper?" be anything but stupid? I honestly know that the kids, for the most part, aren't thinking about what they are saying, but come on. That one's a no-brainer. How do they really expect me to answer? "No, dear. Don't put your name on your paper. I will do the same thing that guy does on The Dead Zone, and I will be able to see who wrote the paper... as well as the fact your little sister is in imminent danger at home!" Of course, most of the time I simply look at them a little tiredly, and tell them please put their name on their paper.

The ironic part of it all is that they know what I do with no-name papers! I write in huge letters over the whole sheet "NAME?!" and tape it on the wall. Plus, they lose 10 points, if they ever identify it and turn it in again! They have all seen the drama (or experienced it themselves) when a fellow classmate discovers their paper on the wall, and the tears and emotions as they try to convince me they don't deserve to lose 10 points.

So, I am starting a new post series, entitled, "No Stupid Questions," highlighting the brilliance that comes out of the mouths of 12-year-olds. It can be some great stuff.

Other old favorites:

"Is this for a grade?" If it wasn't for a grade, I wouldn't tell you, because then you wouldn't do it. You are just inviting me to lie.

"Do I have to do this assignment?" No, you don't. You can get a zero, instead.

"Can I go to the bathroom?" I guess this one isn't stupid, but it bothers me anyway. As an English teacher, I have to fix this, and I tire of fixing it... I don't know, CAN you go to the bathroom? I am just not in the position to know that...

And the last one for today:

"What is my current grade?" This one is stupid because of they way they ask it 90% of the time... by raising their hand, while I am in full-teaching mode, to ask it.