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 think that these students must have found the content and the figures studied to be interesting to them, and I don't think that is a negative thing. However, I would use those comments as another teachable moment. I would bring attention to the fact that their race was not what made them fascinating, but it was their actions. I would explain to them that they need to strive for great things through their thoughts, words and actions, not their race.                 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 like how this is a positive solution. Rated On: October 18, 2014 5:32 pm Rated By: Amanda Meredith