Kids say the darnedest things-high school edition

We all love the old Bill Cosby show where he would interview kids as they gave hilarious answers to mundane questions. We are always surprised and amused by what comes out of the mouths of babes, but high schoolers can take this shock and amusement to a whole new level.

While this is not a comprehensive list (I really need to write them down), these are some of the best I can remember.

In reference to Sponge Bob, "Mrs. Medeiros, does jelly really come from jellyfish?" Imagine his shock when he leaned it was actually made from fruit not seafood.

In reference to the Irish, "Are leprechauns real?" "No." "Really, because I saw a thing on animal planet and they said they were real." And yes, this child was serious. A debate over unicorns also ensued.

Still in reference to Irish I migration "Can you walk from Ireland to America?" (Me, No) "Why don't they build a bridge?" (Because it would have to cross the Atlantic Ocean) "well they have a bridge over water going to Pensacola." Had to pull out a map and look at distance on this one.

While working on a map activity, "Mrs. Medeiros, is Massachusetts a southern state?"

After using an Abraham Lincoln quote in class, "How do you know he said that? He's dead."

"Are Native Americas from America? What color are they?"

"How does our Spanish teacher know Spanish if she's not from Mexico?"

During a discussion about the resignation of the pope. Me-"Who is considered the first pope?" Student-"Buddha?"

"How can Mrs. Hart be your mom if your last name is Medeiros?"

"Is President Andrew Jackson one of Michael Jackson's brothers? How about Jessie Jackson?"

"Did Abraham Lincoln and George Washington know each other?"


I feel I should add that no, none of these students are "slow" or "dumb." However, they each suffer from that dreaded teenage affliction of speaking without thinking. Today I asked one if he ever thought that maybe he shouldn't say somethings before he says them. He replied with a resounding, "nope!"

I really wish I could write down all of these and give them to the students in 10 years. Can you imagine some of the things that must have come out of your mouth at 14? Teenagers aren't as cute as small children, but their minds can come up with some of best unintentional humor.