poem the dog ate my homework

Where Did The Phrase “The Dog Ate My Homework” Come From?

Dogs are known as man’s best friend. Dogs keep us safe, are hard workers … and can provide a handy excuse in a pinch. Maybe that’s why versions of the classic expression the dog ate my homework have been around for hundreds of years.

Today, the dog ate my homework is used as a stock example of the kind of silly excuses schoolchildren give for why their work isn’t finished. Very rarely do people say, “the dog ate my homework” and expect it to be taken literally; they use the expression as an example of a typically flimsy excuse.

So where did the phrase come from?

Forrest Wickman, a writer for Slate , describes the legend of the 6th-century Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise as the alleged first recorded “the dog ate my homework” story. According to the tale, Saint Ciarán had a tame young fox that would take his writings to his master for him. One day, the fox grew up and decided to eat the leather strap binding the writings together instead. Still, this tale is more Garden-of-Eden parable and less terrible schoolchild excuse.

The notion that dogs will eat just about anything, including paper, turns up in lots of stories over the centuries. An example comes from The Humors of Whist , published in 1808 in Sporting Magazine . In the story, the players are sitting around playing cards when one of them remarks that their companion would have lost the game had the dog not eaten the losing card. Good boy.

Some attribute the creation of the dog ate my homework to a joke that was going around at the beginning of the 20th century. In a tale found as far back as an 1894 memoir by Anglican priest Samuel Reynolds Hole, a preacher gives a shortened version of a sermon because a dog got into his study and ate some of the pages he had written. However, the clerk loved it because they had been wanting the preacher to shorten his sermons for years.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary , the first example of the dog ate my homework excuse in print can be found in a speech given by retiring headmaster James Bewsher in 1929 and published in the Manchester Guardian : “It is a long time since I have had the excuse about the dog tearing up the arithmetic homework.” The way this comment is phrased suggests that the whole dog ate my homework story had been around for some time before it was put in print.

When was the word homework created?

But in order for a dog to eat homework specifically, homework had to be invented (oh, and how we wish it hadn’t been). True, the word homework , as in what we call today housework , appears as early as 1653. But homework , as in school exercises to be done at home, isn’t found until 1852. Once we had homework , it was only a matter of time before the dog was accused of eating it.

How we use this phrase now

No matter the origin, sometime in the 1950s, the expression became set as the dog ate my homework . This inspired any number of riffs on the theme, like my cow ate my homework or my brother ate my homework . In the 1960s, the dog ate my homework continued to gain popularity. The expression popped up a couple times in politics over the years, like when President Reagan said to reporters in 1988, “I had hoped that we had marked the end of the ‘dog-ate-my-homework’ era of Congressional budgetry … but it was not to be.”

It seems unlikely that the dog ate my homework was ever used consistently or frequently by actual schoolchildren. In fact, it’s the unlikeliness of the story that makes it so funny and absurd as a joke. Instead, teachers and authority figures appear to have cited the dog ate my homework many times over the years as such a bad excuse they can’t believe students are really using it.

In the 21st century, students don’t spend as much time working with physical pen and paper as they once did. That may contribute to the decline in the use of the phrase. So, maybe soon we’ll see a new equally absurd phrase pop up. Come on Zoomers, you’ve got this.

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1 Love Poems

School excuses: my dog ate my homework poems | 1lovepoems.

Unleash the Fun: My Dog Ate My Homework Poems

Welcome to 1LovePoems, where we take the classic excuse “my dog ate my homework” to the next level with a collection of hilarious and charming poems. Whether you’re looking for a silly rhyme to lighten the mood or a heartfelt verse to express your love for your furry friend, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this range of poems about our four-legged homework helpers. Who knows, you may even find some inspiration for your next excuse!

Short Poems

1. “The Excuse” My dog ate my homework, I swear that it’s true, He gobbled it up, Before I even knew.

2. “The Apology” Dear Teacher, I’m sorry, My dog was to blame, He chewed up my homework, It’s my fault, I’m ashamed.

3. “The Confession” I’ll tell you the truth, My dog didn’t eat, I procrastinated, And now I’m a cheat.

4. “The Resolution” No more excuses, I’ll do it on time, Homework complete, And no more canine crime.

Medium Poems

1. “Excuses, Excuses”

My dog ate my homework, oh what a cliché, But when I walked in my room, I knew it was true all the way. The papers were scattered, a mess on the floor, My dog looked up, guilty as ever before.

I searched for a reason, an excuse that would stick, But I knew deep inside, I had only one trick. So I hung my head, and as tears filled my eyes, I said to my teacher, “I’m sorry, please don’t penalize.”

2. “Man’s Best Friend”

My dog ate my homework, I know it sounds absurd, But it’s true, I swear it, every single word. He’s my best friend, always by my side, But in that moment, he couldn’t resist his canine pride.

I begged and pleaded, to no avail, My homework was gone, beyond the pale. But as I looked at my dog, with his wagging tail, I realized it wasn’t his fault, he couldn’t help but prevail.

3. “The Last Straw”

My dog ate my homework, again and again, I couldn’t take it, I was driven insane. So I made a plan, to end this silly game, And prevent my dog from taking the blame.

I kept my homework far from his reach, And finally, he couldn’t quite breach. So now, when I hand in my work, I can finally breathe, without a quirk.

The Great Excuse

I’ll tell you a tale that’s hard to swallow, About a dog who ate my homework, oh so hollow. It may seem like an old cliche, But it really happened to me, I’m here today to say.

It was late at night, and I was feeling quite weary, I had a project due, and was feeling quite dreary, I had spent all night on the assignment at hand, But then I realized, I didn’t have a plan.

I knew I couldn’t make the midnight deadline, So, I decided to lie and say that I was just fine, I told my teacher a dog ate my paper, It sounded like a fib, it made them taper.

The teacher just rolled their eyes and said, You’d better have that homework done by next week or you’ll be dead. I was dumbfounded and didn’t know what to do, But then I thought of a plan, which I would pursue.

I went home and searched for the perfect pooch, It had to be a breed with a guilty rooch, I found the perfect one that very night, I named him “Homework,” and thought I was quite bright.

The next day, I walked into class with a grin, I had my homework in my hand, as I strolled in, My teacher couldn’t believe what they had seen, Homework wasn’t due for another week, it was just obscene.

But then the teacher noticed the bite marks and tears, The paper was in a million pieces, it brought tears, They looked at me and said, “This is ridiculous, it’s not your fault”, But I didn’t feel bad, I knew I had found the perfect vault.

As time went on, I’d always blame my pup, For eating my work, it became my go-to backup, I never got caught, not even once, My excuse was so believable, it was full of fun.

So, if you ever need an excuse to skip your homework, Just tell them your dog ate it, you’ll twist their mind cork, But be warned, it may become a bad habit, Your dog might become famous, and people might grab it.

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Loving books and reading, the dog ate my homework: and other poems for children by aaron james.

I’ve been lucky to feature several children’s books recently and am delighted to be reviewing  The Dog Ate My Homework: and other poems for children by Aaron James today. Getting children engaged in reading is so important in my view.

The Dog Ate My Homework: and other poems for children  is available for purchase here .

The Dog Ate My Homework: and other poems for children

The Dog Ate My Homework by Aaron James is a collection of short poems that will capture your imagination. Filled with fun stories that make you think, laugh and tell your friends. Do you remember your first day at school? Or when you tried to convince your teacher you actually done your homework? Or the excitement you felt when you bought your new pair of trainers? In The Dog Ate My Homework you will get a chance to read all these stories and many more!

My Review of The Dog Ate My Homework:

And other poems for children.

The Dog Ate My Homework contains five school themed poems for children.

I enjoyed this collection of school based poems because I think it covers themes that many children might feel anxious about in a reassuring and entertaining manner. The poems are about the first day at school (and I’d have liked that one first in the anthology as it marks the beginning of school life), having new trainers, school dinners, sports day and homework so that familiar aspects of school life can be discussed with children in a safe and positive way. Similarly, a range of emotions is presented from excitement to fear, affording a discussion with children without threat.

I also really liked the fact that the persona behind the poems is a boy as it can be difficult to engage boys in reading and with poetry in particular.

The language and rhyme schemes are simple enough for children to read the poems independently and because the poems are so well illustrated I think this would be a smashing collection to promote the enjoyment of reading. There’s enough substance for each poem to act as a story without a reluctant reader becoming bogged down.

The Dog Ate My Homework is a collection I really recommend.

About Aaron James

Born and raised in Tottenham, North London and today living in Bromley, South London with his wife, Aaron James works as a poet and spoken word artist. The Dog Ate My Homework is his first children’s poetry book.

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5 thoughts on “ the dog ate my homework: and other poems for children by aaron james ”.

I super idea for a poetry book for kids, Linda. I love it.

Like Liked by 1 person

I agree and poetry is so often ignored. Thanks for commenting Robbie.

Goodness, I’d love to read this book. I have the feelings grownups will chuckle and enjoy it as much as the children. Wish this book was around a few years ago, we always struggled to find suitable and fun poems to learn for school!

Sounds like a fun collection.

Yes, it is! I enjoyed it.

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Librarian Laura

Book reviews of upcoming and popular books, both YA and Adult Fiction

The Dog Ate My Homework by Aaron James

The paperback children’s book contains five school-themed poems which have rhyming texts. Each poem tells a humorous tale involving traditional school routines/activities. The illustrations are fitting to the stories being told and they show a diverse cast of characters.

The poems included are The Dog Ate My Homework, My New Pair of Trainers, School Dinners, Sports Day, and First Day at School .

Thank you to Clink Street Publishing for the review copy of this title.

The Dog Ate My Homework by Aaron James is a collection of short poems that will capture your imagination. Filled with fun stories that make you think, laugh and tell your friends. Do you remember your first day at school? Or when you tried to convince your teacher you actually done your homework? Or the excitement you felt when you bought your new pair of trainers? In The Dog Ate My Homework you will get a chance to read all these stories and many more!

Information about the Book

Title: The Dog Ate My Homework

Author: Aaron James

Release Date: 20 th February 2018

Genre: Poetic Picture Book

Page Count: 18

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38908967-the-dog-ate-my-homework

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dog-Ate-My-Homework-children-ebook/dp/B0792NF6R3/

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Published by LibrarianLaura

MLS Librarian and Book Blogger. Wife, Mom of boys & dogs, lover of books, baking, running, and strong coffee. SLJ/LJ Reviewer. Bookstagrammer @laurapedenjones View all posts by LibrarianLaura

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The first of the funny school poems deals with those brave and underpaid souls who spend their days on the front lines, substituting for absent teachers. I think they deserve a special poem, just for them. Don't you?

Substitute Hurray! We heard our teacher cannot be with us today. Instead, we'll have a substitute. (We'll make her earn her pay.)

Michael will throw spit wads, and Brandon will eat chalk. Patrick will poke David, and all of us will talk.

We smiled and laughed with pleasure as these thoughts filled every head, until we found our teacher sent the principal instead!

by Denise Rodgers Copyright©Denise Rodgers Permissions Art by Julie Martin

Funny School Poem Number Two

The Dog Ate My Homework The dog ate my homework just like it was kibble. He started up slow with a cute little nibble and then scarfed it down with a burp and a snort. How was he to know that my special report was due here this morning precisely at 8:00. So now it is eaten. I'm sorry it's late. But what can you do when your dog needs a snack and your stapled report comes under attack? I told him to stop but he just wouldn't mind. When my dog is hungry, he's not very kind. I'll bring it tomorrow, and you'll see it then. So long as my dog isn't hungry again.

Funny School Poem Number Three

Yes, I Ate His Homework Yes, I ate his homework. You think I'm a liar! So kind of you, teacher, to go and inquire. It's just that when hungry, despite what you think, there's nothing more tasty than paper and ink, unless it's some slippers or brand-new soft shoes, or maybe a sheet of some basted raw chews. I ate all the homework and part of the couch. There's so much to eat and I'm hardly a slouch. So that is my story. I'll swear that it's true. Excuse me for now, I have text books to chew.

Funny School Poem Number Four

Science Day A monkey came for science day with people from the zoo, who showed us slides of chimps and apes and told us what they do.

The monkey stayed around a while and made himself a pest. And worst of all: he scored much higher than me on our test!

Poem and Art by Denise Rodgers Copyright©Denise Rodgers Permissions

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My Dog Does My Homework

A Funny Dog Poem for Kids

From the book When the Teacher Isn't Looking

My dog does my homework at home every night. He answers each question and gets them all right.

There’s only one problem with homework by Rover. I can’t turn in work that’s been slobbered all over.

 — Kenn Nesbitt

Copyright © 2005. All Rights Reserved.

Reading Level: Grade 2 Topics: Animal Poems , School Poems Poetic Techniques: Anthropomorphism & Personification , Descriptive Poems , Irony Word Count: 41

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The dog ate my home work : poems

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The Dog Ate My Homework Paperback – February 20, 2018

• Language English
• Publisher Clink Street Publishing
• Publication date February 20, 2018
• Dimensions 8 x 0.05 x 8 inches
• ISBN-10 1912262800
• ISBN-13 978-1912262809
• See all details

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clink Street Publishing (February 20, 2018)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1912262800
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1912262809
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.9 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 0.05 x 8 inches
• Best Sellers Rank: #7,049,564 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books )

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Tag: The Dog Ate My Homework

National poetry week lie poem by neal zetter.

Neal Zetter is an award-winning children’s author, comedy performance poet and entertainer. Most days Neal is found performing or running fun poetry writing or performance workshops in schools and libraries with children, teens, adults or families. He has worked in all 33 London Boroughs and many, many other UK cities. One of his Troika books for 6-13 year olds includes Yuck & Yum (A Feast of Funny Food Poems) illustrated by Scoular Anderson, with poet Joshua Seigal. More information is here . Neal’s Twitter page is  here,  and Neal’s Amazon Author page is  here .

The Dog Ate My Homework

The dog ate my homework Miss At breakfast time today I managed to complete it first I’m sure I got top grade He suddenly felt peckish In one gulp wolfed it down I can’t hand in my homework ‘Cause I have a hungry hound

The dog ate my homework Miss He shredded it to bits Then munched it, crunched it, lunched it Sent it to the dark abyss It’s stuck inside his stomach It nestles in his guts I can’t hand in my homework ‘Cause my mutt has scoffed it up

The dog ate my homework Miss I hate to break bad news Preferred it to his dinner And his biscuits, treats and chews I’m begging you believe me I’m telling you the truth I can’t hand in my homework ‘Cause my pet’s a piggish pooch

The dog ate my homework Miss It’s never coming back My literacy, French, science Art, geography and maths He certainly is sorry I hope you’re fine with that But think I’d better warn you… I also own a greedy cat

© Neal Zetter

Thanks for this funny poem, Neal!

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