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!) My first approach would be to ask the students why they wished they were black. Upon recieving that response, I would tell my students that each of them were unique in their own way. Each culture has played an important role in history. I believe none more important than the other. I would tell my students that although cannot change their race or culture, they can change who they become. They can become important people in history.