Literalist

Aaron brought home a progress report a few days ago.  His grade in social studies was a bit on the low side.  It wasn't awful, but he is quite capable and he wasn't doing his best.  He lost screen time until the grade improved.  The kids' school had an online program that allows parents to see every grade as soon a teacher post it.  I told Aaron he couldn't have screen time back until he had an acceptable grade posted.

Following is the conversation we had this evening.

Aaron:  Mom, can we check online to see if my grade for my essay in social studies has been posted.

Me:  Yes.  What did you do it on?

Aaron:  (In all innocence) Notebook paper.

I laughed so hard I cried.  He wasn't trying to be funny.  I guess I should have asked something like, "What was the subject matter?" or "What was the topic?" 

In his defense, we had talked to him about how sloppy his handwriting can be.  He has been told many times that we don't blame the teachers for giving him a poor grade if he doesn't take the time to do his neatest work.  I'm quite certain that is what was in his head when he answered.

And...because years from now I know I will read this and think, "What was the topic?"  His essay was on the Aztecs and whether historians should emphasis their agriculture or human sacrifice.  His argument was for agriculture.