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!) I believe this would be a perfect time to begin addressing the topic of culture. To me, this is a teachable moment, and one in which it might be a good idea to take a look at other cultures in the classroom, as well. I think we need to encourage students to be proud of their own cultures. Since the European cultures is often focused in American Classrooms, I don't think it would be necessary to do lessons and further highlight this culture, but maybe introduce students to other cultures around the world with the "I'm proud of my culture theme." This would give all the students in your classes a chance to examine their own cultures and help them make decisions on their beliefs, values, and cultures.