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 would chalk this up to 5th graders acting like 5th graders. This could be a good time to have a meaningful conversation with the students about why they wish they were black and that skin color does not have anything to do with success but rather our efforts and willingness to work hard and overcome obstacles. In addition, this is a good opportunity to discuss being happy with who you are, how you were made, etc. There is nothing wrong with your intentions, lessons, or even the response by your students, but it does allow for an opportunity to have a meaningful discussions.