Final answer:
August reacts negatively and wants to play instead when his mom speaks to him about going to school. His reaction shows his resistance to the idea of going to school and his desire to continue playing.
Step-by-step explanation:
When August's mom speaks to him about going to school, August reacts negatively and wants to play instead. In the text, August says, "No, no! I want to play with it" and "I want to put it in the water". He protests and begins to cry when his mom tells him to obey his father. His dad then threatens to whip him if he doesn't stop crying. August's reaction shows his resistance to the idea of going to school and his desire to continue playing.