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!) Yasar with another gem. Ask them questions to see why they wished they were Black. Upon hearing them out I would explain to them that they can do whatever they want to do in the skin they are in. I would speak to the work ethic to achieve the goals of the idols of the three students. Also I would mention the strength to overcome barriers Black people have overcome and hurtles that continue to exist of course word it in a 5th grade level.