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 would first ask the student to tell me why they would want to change who they are or their race. Then I would ask the class to raise their hand if they feel the same or if they would also want to change their race. I would focus on the different students and their responses to the question and situation at hand. I would make sure that I stayed neutral to the discussion and remain a facilitator of discussion. Once students have had a chance to express their thoughts, feelings, or concerns, I would inform students that they should all be proud of their race and who they are. I would then discuss that there are many people of many different races, religions, gender, and more who have had great impacts in our society and U.S history. I would then group students in my classroom for a small group project. I would tell students that they are going to research and find someone of a different race or ethnicity who have made important contributions or who have had impacted our society in a positive manner. I would tell students that they may research famous athletes, musicians, scientists, inventors, doctors, teachers, public speakers, political figures, explorers, and much more to find their figure who has made significant contributions to the United States. I will have students research their person and write a short biography that informs others of what contributions they made to the U.S. and then they will present their presentation to the class. Students must include a picture of their person in their findings and presentation. After all presentations have been presented, I will conclude the lesson by pointing out that it does not matter what color your skin is, be proud of who you are.                 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: Rated On: June 2, 2013 1:26 am Rated By: Love Joy                 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: If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this. Rated On: October 17, 2014 5:55 pm Rated By: Doniesha                 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: Great post!!! Rated On: July 10, 2015 2:47 am Rated By: RaMevy