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  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 tell them that they should be happy with themselves as they are. No matter the color of your skin everyone is capable of great things. I would have a fairly simple research project for the students in the class to find a scientist/writer/ or any array of "important" figure of their ethnicity and of a different ethnicity. This way the Asian/Hispanic/African American/Caucasian students could see how many people can do important things regardless of race.
 
     
     
  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: Encouragingt he children to be happy with themselves is a great solution.
Rated On: October 18, 2014 5:30 pm
Rated By: Amanda Meredith
 
     
     
  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, its simple and effective. Telling someone that race doesn't determine success and then proving it is very convincing indeed.
Rated On: October 20, 2014 1:07 am
Rated By: Adam Sanchez
 
     
     
  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 2:48 am
Rated By: RaMevy
 
     
     
  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 would also tell my students that they should be proud of what they are, and how they were born. I would let them know that skin color does not matter, because everyone is equal and all races and cultures do awesome things. I like the idea of doing a lesson so that the students could actually see for themselves and research how everyone is capable of great things!
Rated On: October 18, 2015 3:57 am
Rated By: yseHug
 
     
     
  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: A research project that reconcentrates students on who they are, while simultaneously being able to appreciate another culture or race is a great response to this situation.
Rated On: February 21, 2020 11:47 pm
Rated By: Vanessa Tuliau
 
     
     
  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: agreed.
Rated On: November 13, 2022 8:49 pm
Rated By: buTuDe