Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Why Should I Listen? As part of my 7th grade Social Studies curriculum, I have to talk about slavery, the civil rights movement, etc. The topic ultimately leads to a discussion of how Whites oppressed Blacks. I try to present these topics in a way that does not suggest any guilt. This year, one of my students had a very bad reaction. When we were talking about the civil rights, John, one of my well-behaved but opinionated students, got up and said that he did not want to listen to this lesson anymore, because all we did was to demonize the White people. Three other students openly agreed with him saying that these topics made them angry. I have to cover these topics because they are a part of my curriculum. Also, I believe in the importance teaching children about these inequalities. However, it seems like the way I teach, which is mainly based on lectures and small group work, is making my White students uncomfortable. What should I do to make sure that my White students do not feel offended by these topics? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) I think the reaction John and the other students displayed were common feelings. As a teacher, I despise having to teach these things sometimes. However, as a part of the curriculum, it has to be taught. I think having a "disclaimer" before teaching such controversial topics may help. Let students know that this is something that happened in history. Yes, it is bad. Yes, many students and even teacher may have had ancestors involved in some of it. However, the most important thing is that students remain open minded and understand that many of these things happened because people were not very open minded! No matter part of history, there is going to be some part that will make some group of students uncomfortable. As long as they know how and why things happened, and how things have changed for the better, perhaps they will understand more and be willing to listen and learn.