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!) The lesson plans and history of the historical figures they learned about truly moved these three students. It is neat that they felt such inspiration and admiration from the lesson. However, as a teacher I would explain to them that anyone regardless of race, sex, religion, social class, etc. can achieve great accomplishments in life. Greatness is not contained in one culture or one type of people. The students should hone in on what they find so admirable about the historical figures so that they can portray these commendable characteristics throughout their own lives.                 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: Explaining that race does not make a difference when determining success is a good solution to the problem. Especially since today these discrimination are not tolerated nearly as much as there were in the past. Rated On: October 20, 2014 1:03 am Rated By: Adam Sanchez