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 think fifth graders are very easy to get caught up in the moment. Currently, you're studying famous African Americans and all of their amazing accomplishments. Next week, you could study famous people from another cultural group and students are very likely to have the same sentiments. I think as a teacher, I would try to redirect my students to the important things that these people did, regardless of their culture or skin color. I want my students to aspire to be successful like these people were and look up to them for that reason. I think the lesson that students should carry with them is that all people have it within them to accomplish greatness, regardless of their background or culture.