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 this is a great way to turn the conversation into personalities and self-esteem and self-concept. I would not deter from the lesson taught or how to focus on other religions, but I would explain to the students that these contributors did not make significant contributions just because they were African American. I would explain that they worked around their personality, intellectual abilities and self-concept to become the great person they are. This should help the students to understand that regardless of your color or ethnic background, you can accomplish what you so desire.