Teaching Adopted Students

1. Assignments

1.1. Always ask the question, "Is this project or assignment accessible to all my students?"

1.2. The teacher should reassess the students in his/her classroom every year in order decide weather the assignment is appropriate and accessible

1.3. Do the assignments I assign promote diversity of family structures?

1.4. Do the books and literature we read in class promote diversity of family structures?

2. The Classroom

2.1. Using positive adoption language

2.1.1. Know proper terminology to avoid miscommunication or hurt feelings

2.1.2. A teacher should do their own research about how adoption works - don't be uninformed!

2.2. Use the opportunity to teach other students about differences in family and about adoption even if none of your students are adopted

3. Teacher and Parent Relationship

3.1. Talking to parents about a student's adoption story in order to be informed and know your student

3.1.1. Potential questions to ask parents (varies depending on age of student and situation)

3.1.1.1. How can I as a teacher support ____ ?

3.1.1.2. Is there anything you want me to know about ____'s history that would be helpful for me to teach them effectively and respect their past?

3.2. Forming a relationship with the parents about what the student may be sensitive about and if the student has any concerns about their past

4. Modifications to Traditional Assignments

4.1. Family Tree: take the opportunity to support all student's families and give options for different types of family trees

4.2. Baby Pictures: instead ask students to bring pictures of them doing an activity the love or a vacation they have been on

4.3. Don't make the adopted child the exception - change the whole curriculum to include all students