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!) It is quite impressive to make such an impact on white students to make them want to be of another race. I find this very impressive, because after just finishing reading the article "White Privilege", many white students are engrained to believe their race is superior. As a solution to this problem though, I would pull the three students to the side and explain to them that it is very moving that they would say that, but that was not the point of the lesson. Then explain to them that we talk about ALL RACES of people in this class that make signifigant impacts in history. Following the conversation I would plan an activity that has multiple inverntors, musicians, leaders, etc. that all made great impacts on history, but dont name the people or put pictures with the achievements. By doing this, you erase all prejudice and you make the students study the just the facts and achievements alone. After you have finished the activity, you can then show the students the names and pictures the people, but also tell them that the point of the activity was to show the importance of peoples actions and not their appearance.                 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 think this is an excellent solution and will most likely work and students will learn at the same time. Rated On: October 19, 2014 12:10 am Rated By: adenar                 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 idea on the project. Take away faces and colors of skin and just see the great things people have done. Rated On: October 19, 2014 4:16 pm Rated By: Sanubu                 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: nice. Rated On: November 13, 2022 8:53 pm Rated By: buTuDe