I developed two tactics for avoiding homework in the 4th grade. A messy desk was ideal for "accidentally" misplacing my multiplication tables or spelling charts, although I would have to stay late a few times every semester to cleanup.

Being forgetful was my other excuse. Teachers made me keep a pocket spiral notebook homework log. This, too, was ineffective because I would inevitably lose the notebook. The truth is... I hated homework. Six hours of school was enough. The rest of the day should be dedicated to playing in the grass.

Rob Moriarty, art teacher,
Morton West High School