Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Why No White History Month? It is the month of February again, and I am very excited about the Black History month. As a young African American elementary school teacher, I make sure that I fully take advantage of the Black History month in my lessons with my 5th graders. Yesterday, we were talking about important African American political figures, who made life better for all Americans. During this lesson, one of my students raised her hand and asked why there was no "White History month?" "Were White Americans not as important?" I did not have a good answer to her question. I must be doing something wrong to have a student feel this way. How would you answer this question? Do you think it is problematic to integrate African Americans to all my lessons during February? How can I fix this? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) I do not think that you have done anything wrong. It can be confusing for students to understand the complexity of the issues that have led up to the need for Black History Month. I think that it is important to explain to your students that minority groups are often overlooked for their accomplishments of gaining equal rights. This applies for many groups of people, including women, religious groups, and other racial minority groups. There is no simple explanation as to why there is Black History Month and not an entire month dedicated to other minorities, but there are various times throughout the year that some these minority groups are recognized. I would be sure to explain that Black History Month is the result of many individuals'struggles, Black and White, and it helps to signify how far our country has come each year.                 Rating The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes The suggested solution is original Yes Comments: I like this solution because it provides a simple answer that a 5th grader can understand. Like Arria said there is no way a 5th grader can understand the entirety of the situation but explaining to her some of the specific reasons why African Americans have a month to recognize their achievement is helpful. It is also helpful to point out the other minority groups that have struggles and made progress as well. Rated On: October 19, 2014 1:15 pm Rated By: yjeNus