Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Why Should I Listen? As part of my 7th grade Social Studies curriculum, I have to talk about slavery, the civil rights movement, etc. The topic ultimately leads to a discussion of how Whites oppressed Blacks. I try to present these topics in a way that does not suggest any guilt. This year, one of my students had a very bad reaction. When we were talking about the civil rights, John, one of my well-behaved but opinionated students, got up and said that he did not want to listen to this lesson anymore, because all we did was to demonize the White people. Three other students openly agreed with him saying that these topics made them angry. I have to cover these topics because they are a part of my curriculum. Also, I believe in the importance teaching children about these inequalities. However, it seems like the way I teach, which is mainly based on lectures and small group work, is making my White students uncomfortable. What should I do to make sure that my White students do not feel offended by these topics? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) I agree with you that teaching about emotional issues, such as slavery and civil rights movement, is a hard task for educators and students. As it is a standard in the curriculum, we must address these topics in classrooms across the country. I think you could supplement these subjects with famous people of the white race that were abolitionists. It would give your students a diverse perspective on the topics. In addition to supplementing your instruction, I suggest conversing with students at the beginning of the unit. Discuss the material that may cause them to feel uncomfortable, but encourage them to share their feelings in a civil manner in the classroom. I hope you are able to find solutions to these problems, so your students can learn about the historical actions of their past.