Prepare the Child, Not Just the Backpack
Free Back-to-School Tools for Families
Back-to-school preparation is about more than supplies, clothes, and schedules. Children also need practical tools for handling fear, conflict, academic insecurity, relationships, and the challenges they may face during the school year.
Resources from Dr. Tenickia Polk and Peacemakers Kids
Dr. Tenickia Polk on The Daily Drum with Bremante Bryant, WHUR 96.3 FM, Howard University Radio.
My School Day Plan
Build predictability. Practice resisting fear.
A refrigerator-friendly school-day routine and courage plan that helps families prepare children for the flow of their day and practice what to do when fear comes. Especially useful for back-to-school jitters and separation anxiety.
Let's Talk!
Give children a process for working through conflict.
A guided conversation tool that helps children explain what happened, check their own feelings and attitudes, hear the other person's side, and determine the appropriate next step.
Biblical Affirmations for Parents and Children
Strengthen relationships and reinforce Godly identity.
A Scripture-based resource for parents and children designed to strengthen relationships through biblical affirmation, family discussion, reflection, and practical application.
5 Minute Ice Cream in a Ziploc Bag
Recipe provided by Cooking with Claudia
Ingredients
- • 1 cup whole milk
- • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- • 1/4 cup sugar
- • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Items Needed
- • 2 Ziploc bags
- • 4 cups ice
- • 1/4 cup salt
- • Kitchen towel
Directions
- Step 1 — Place all the ingredients in a Ziploc bag and seal it tightly, removing some air before sealing. The ice cream will be ruined if the bag isn't sealed tightly.
- Step 2 — Place the ice and salt in the second Ziploc bag.
- Step 3 — Place the ingredients bag inside the ice/salt bag and seal the second bag, removing some air first. Shake the bags well for five minutes. Use the towel to keep your hand from getting cold. Enjoy your ice cream! You can place it in the freezer for a while to make it firmer if you like.
Professional Development with Dr. Tenickia Polk
Professional development is available to help educators strengthen teacher effectiveness through improved classroom management, student engagement, and instructional continuity. Training can include practical behavior-management strategies, communication tools, student-accountability resources, and classroom implementation materials that support positive learning environments and maximize instructional time.