There’s nothing like a school’s insensitivity to adoption to turn a quiet mom into a bold activist.
Talking About Adoption in the Classroom
Some parents choose to talk to their child’s teacher about adoption. Others believe it’s a private matter. Here’s how your fellow readers weigh in.
Should You Tell the Teacher that Your Child was Adopted?
Should you tell the teacher that your child was adopted? What happens when your child doesn’t share your ability to learn? Parents share advice and offer support on these and other questions.
Happy Endings
The end of the school year can be stressful for children and parents. Here’s a guide for making it a smoother transition.
“I’m a Lot Like You”
In a letter to her son’s kindergarten class, a ghost-writing mom explains what it means to be adopted and to have cerebral palsy.
“Celebrating Heritage in The Wax Museum”
Breaking out of racial boundaries to create a new vision of the world and its past.
How to Adjust Invasive Assignments
Parents should expect school assignments that are difficult for their children. So be prepared.
Bringing Culture to the Classroom
A little culture can go a long way in explaining adoption.
Explaining Adoption in the Classroom
AF readers share their tips and tricks for bring adoption to their kids’ classrooms.
Ask AF: When Preteens Face Prejudice
My 12-year-old, adopted from China, has recently been saying she doesn’t want to go to school. Last night I finally got her talking. She said, “There are kids who disrupt the class and are racist. They tell Asian jokes.” Her school is diverse, but there are few Asian students. How can I help her?
Classroom Consciousness
Finding the right school for your child is a personal, and sometimes emotional, process — especially when considering diversity and academic excellence.
Ask AF: Academic Difficulties
Answers to your parenting questions.
Open Adoption and the Family Tree Assignment
Your child was just assigned the family tree in school. What now?
“School Daze” — Part 4 of Foster Adoption Series
In part four of our family’s adoption odyssey, our daughter grapples with her learning disability.
Combating Bullying with Books
Children’s literature can be particularly helpful in opening up conversations on difficult topics. An adoptive mom reviews four books about bullying.
[Book Review] The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander
An adoptive mom and teacher reviews The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander, a book about how parents and teachers can recognize and help break the cycle of bullying.
[Book Review] Adoption and the Schools: A Resource Guide for Parents and Teachers
Though many schools support the ideas of diverse families and multiculturalism, adoption is rarely mentioned as one of the differences to be considered or part of a school curriculum. This book seeks to change that.
When Parents are the Educators
Raising adoption awareness at school can protect your child from thoughtless remarks and benefit classmates, teachers, and the school community. Just be sure to tread lightly and respect boundaries, especially your child’s.
Empowering Kids to Handle Sticky Assignments
When adoption comes up in the classroom, you can’t always help your child handle it. Here’s how to set up your child to advocate for herself at school.
How I Explained Adoption to the First Grade
Using a favorite doll and a logic children can follow, one mother enlightens her daughter’s curious class about adoption.