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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 think that your unit has definitely helped students think beyond their own race, which is a good thing. I would not discourage their conversation, but would try to expand it. I would also teach them about people of other racial groups who have contributed to the US, as well as the struggles and opposition each group has faced.
In the future, I would recommend that instead of teaching a specific unit focusing on one racial group, that you integrate these figures and literature into your regular units of study. This would help your students see the contributions that a variety of types of people have made to our nation. While their race may be a contributing factor to the obstacles that they had to overcome to succeed, these individuals are not important primarily because they are black, or from other racial groups. They are important because of how they have contributed to our country and world. |
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Rating
| The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is relevant to the case |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is original |
Yes
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| Comments: I agree. Great solution. |
| Rated On: October 17, 2014 6:17 pm |
| Rated By: TuBuJy |
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Rating
| The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is relevant to the case |
Yes
|
| The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is original |
Yes
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| Comments: I agree a unit focused on more than one group is ideal. I think when we isolate one group (whether it be in a good or bad way) we are promoting racial differences. We should be focusing on what we have in common and then use our difference to strengthen each other. |
| Rated On: October 20, 2014 12:59 am |
| Rated By: Adam Sanchez |
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