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 what's important to see in this situation is that the lessons inspired the students. Yes they may have taken it to the extreme but the fact is that they were moved by the contributions of others to our country. I would reinforce the fact that people of all colors and races have made this country what it is today. Reminding them that it's important to be proud of who you are and being proud of your own race wouldn't diminish their ability to celebrate the achievements of those of another race. I would make an effort to plan other lessons that would highlight people of various cultures that made significant contributions to the U.S.