Adoption Resources for Teachers

"As the number of adopted children in classrooms continues to rise each year, early childhood programs must begin to educate teachers about adoption issues. Adoption awareness will help teachers support young children who are trying to understand, and adjust to, their adoptive status." - "Adopted Children in the Early Childhood Classroom", Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education

for California

Adopted children can be confronted not only with the difficulties of school projects and assignments like the Family Tree Project, but also with inappropriate and inaccurate comments at school. The degree of sensitivity, accuracy of information, and the atmosphere of acceptance that teachers bring to the classroom can play a significant role in shaping all students' understanding and add to their effectiveness as teachers.

Teachers set an example for students by the way they react to classroom situations, the scope of their lesson plans, the language they use, and the emphasis they place on issues such as diversity, blended families, multicultural families and others that directly affect adopted children.

Teachers have access to a growing number of resources on which to draw for their own edification and/or for classroom presentations.

Adopted Persons, Adoptive Parents, Birthparents
Those directly connected to the actual family of adoption are frequently more than willing to make classroom presentations, suggest books, and to talk with one or more teachers in order to help increase awareness. These can be members of students' families, or members of local advocacy and support groups.
Local Adoption Agencies, Counselors, Educators
Many adoption agencies, adoption counseling centers, and adoption research groups offer awareness programs for educators. These presentations include basic information about the process of adoption, adoption language, suggested ways to make assignments inclusive, and more.
Teaching Modules
Classroom programs are being developed for use within curricula at different school levels. "Adoption University" is one of these, and is a complete course program from teacher training to classroom handouts and student response forms.
Language Resources
Adoption language is constantly evolving as new ways are found to make language more inclusive, respectful, and accurate. Online glossaries, encyclopedias, and articles can be good education for teachers and be used in lesson plans as well.