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!) It may sound silly and a little obvious, but I think it is best to show them WHY you are teaching these issues and their purpose, even if it is for nothing else than to cover the standards. I go over the standards with my students every day (they even have a copy of them in their interactive notebooks that they highlight and mark). This shows authenticity to cover what I do. They know each and everything we do and discuss has a purpose. I have discussed the racial divide between blacks and whites before using "Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry" by Mildred Taylor. Similar issues of segregation and inequality were discussed. My students did not react the way that yours did, but we did have a discussion about it and how these events ultimately led us to the society in which we live in today. Maybe explain your reasoning behind your teaching it and show them also how important whites have played in our successful society. I think it would help to show them both in a positive light and negative light, and try your best not to harp on one race too much.