How Schools Can Recognize National Adoption Month
National Adoption Month provides a wonderful opportunity for schools to show their support for adopted students and their families. By incorporating small, thoughtful gestures into classrooms and school spaces, educators can create a more inclusive environment that recognizes and respects diverse family structures. Here are some simple yet impactful ways schools can celebrate adoption and make classrooms feel welcoming for all students.
Create an Adoption-Friendly Bulletin Board
A bulletin board highlighting National Adoption Month can serve as a welcoming display of inclusivity. Consider featuring positive quotes about family diversity, sharing inspiring adoption stories, or highlighting books that explore different family structures. This small visual reminder signals to students and families that your school values and recognizes all kinds of family experiences.
Introduce Books on Adoption and Diverse Families
Add a selection of age-appropriate books on adoption and family diversity to your classroom or school library. Books like “A Family Is a Family Is a Family” by Sara O’Leary or “The Mulberry Bird” by Anne Braff Brodzinsky introduces adoption themes in a compassionate way. Reading and discussing these books with students encourages them to understand and appreciate diverse family structures.
Encourage Inclusive Language and Discussions
When talking about families in the classroom, use inclusive language that respects all types of family configurations. Phrasing like “grown-ups at home” or “your family” instead of “mom and dad” can make a big difference for adopted children or those with nontraditional families. Including adoption as part of family discussions normalizes it, allowing students to feel seen and valued without being singled out.
Celebrate Family Diversity in Class Activities
Adopted students may feel more comfortable if family-oriented activities reflect a variety of family backgrounds. Instead of traditional family trees, consider assignments that focus on family values, traditions, or memorable experiences. Allowing flexibility in these projects helps ensure that all students can participate comfortably, regardless of their family background.
Invite Guest Speakers or Host Discussions
If possible, invite a guest speaker who can speak about adoption in a way that is accessible and age-appropriate. This could be an adoptive parent, social worker, or adult adoptee who can share their experiences and answer questions. Hosting these discussions in a supportive environment helps demystify adoption and promotes understanding and acceptance.
Trauma-informed and adoption-competent training for teachers and staff can be invaluable, especially in schools with adopted or foster students. Programs like NTI’s School-Based Mental Health Training equip educators to understand and address the unique needs of students who may have experienced trauma, providing insights that support a welcoming, inclusive school environment.
Making a Lasting Impact
Celebrating National Adoption Month in schools is about more than just temporary gestures; it’s about creating an environment where all students feel valued. By showing awareness and inclusivity, schools can support adopted students and demonstrate respect for family diversity. These efforts also foster empathy and compassion among all students, contributing to a more welcoming school culture that celebrates all family stories.