Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: I Wish I Were Black! As a teacher of 5th grade students, I try to make sure that my students have a good sense of all the people and cultures that make up this country. Last couple weeks, I paid special attention to the African American people who have made significant contributions to the US. We read a book written by Walter Dean Myers. We have studied scientists, writers, and political figures. Students were very engaged and interested in the content. Yesterday something happened that puzzled me. Three of my White students told me that they wished they were Black. This was not my intention when I planned all my lessons on contributions of African Americans. How should I address this issue? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) Wow! I never thought that would happen. However, also, have the class do something called "connections". Connections allows them to speak about their feelings. However, I would have the students tell why they are important as well. African-American culture isn't to make others feel inadequate. It is taught and recognized because African-American people were made to feel inadequate. Teach your students that all people are important.