K-5 Foster Care Adoption Awareness Reading Program
Teach in one lesson
Perfect for SEL, belonging, family and
classroom community units
Teaching middle or high school?
Explore the Teen Edition →
Let Us Know Where Students Are Learning About Foster Care Adoption
instant free download
What students will learn: empathy, identity, and inclusion — through an age-appropriate, character-building lens
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About the Program
The Foster Care Adoption Awareness Reading Program was created by adoptive mom Marcy Bursac, in partnership with Girl Scouts Courtney Kirks and Macey Thompson for their Silver Award.
Launched in 2023 across five school districts in St. Charles and St. Louis Counties, the Junior Edition is a free, ready-to-use, 30-45 minute lesson designed for elementary students.
Why Teach this?
With 1 in 25 students being adopted, many children have personal connections to adoption or foster care—yet these topics are often left out of classroom conversations. This elementary school empathy lesson helps fill that gap.
This program can be taught at any point during the school year and aligns naturally with:
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Character Education
Family and Community Studies
National Foster Care Month (May)
National Adoption Month (November)
By teaching this reading program, your students will:
Build awareness of different family structures
Learn how love, care, and belonging shape who we become
Engage in a story-driven character education experience
What’s Included in the Free Download?
A Turnkey SEL and Literacy Resource for K-5 Classrooms
This character education and SEL resource includes:
A digital children’s book about foster care adoption
A one-week, standards-aligned lesson plan
Printable worksheets and discussion prompts
Guidance for age-appropriate classroom conversations about family and belonging
AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE
Educators, counselors, librarians, youth leaders, and homeschool families across the United States can access the Foster Care Adoption Awareness Reading Program.
Together, the Junior and Teen Editions provide age-appropriate opportunities for students in grades K–12 to explore belonging, family, identity, resilience, and permanency through engaging stories, meaningful discussion, and real-world connections to foster care and adoption.
Ready to Help Your Students Feel Seen?
Get your free lesson now and join schools across the U.S. building empathy through story and conversation.
Together, let’s help every child feel like they belong.
Just your email and state. Get instant access to your free lesson and help us track where kids are learning about foster care adoption.
instant free download
What students will learn: empathy, identity, and inclusion — through an age-appropriate, character-building lens
Real Classrooms. Real Impact.
swag
Every purchase makes a difference—helping fund the Foster Care Adoption Awareness Reading Program and empowering students to learn about belonging, empathy, and the power of forever families.
When you buy a tee or hat, you’re not just repping a movement—you’re helping bring foster care adoption stories into classrooms across the country.
Wear it proudly. Gift it generously. Share the mission.
Because children waiting to be adopted deserve to be seen.
Adult & Youth T-Shirt
Women’s T-Shirt
Youth Cap
THE BOOK
How can teachers introduce foster care adoption awareness in their classrooms?
In this episode, Mrs. Strauss, a kindergarten teacher, and Mrs. Armbruster, a third grade teacher, share their experiences piloting and teaching the Foster Care Adoption Awareness Reading Program—plus insights from co-presenting at a statewide educators' conference.
