Prep:
You'll want to update the Sign-In Form with the correct year, and make sure the responses show up somewhere you can see them. If you recreate it, the sign in sheet should include name, email, name on badge (nickname), association with MIT/Tech Squares, and how they heard about us.
You'll also want to update the week 1 handout/ intro form. It is currently a google doc, but it might be better to LaTex it in the future. It should include the following:
- Dates/times of the class
- Cost (and the fact that financial aid is available)
- General information on the class and how it works
- Basic square dance terminology (angel, tip, etc)
- What to expect
- Useful Links
- Who to talk to with concerns
- List of relevant people (Callers, officers)
- List of room locations by week
You'll need the following:
- Name tags
- Sharpies
- Pens
- Computers
- Copies of week 1 definitions
- Copies of week 1 handout/intro sheet
- location/arrow signs
- t-shirts
- paper
You'll want to be in place at 7:30, with some signs up pointing your way. Take a table and put it outside the room. As people come to the table, try to get a paper list of their names to cross check against the sign up spreadsheet (this is especially useful is someone is late). You'll be able to look up information on them separately if needed. Give t-shirts to MIT students. Then send people into the room to watch. If possible, have a club member inside to chat with them as they watch.
Class Meeting:
Take this chance to get anyone who hasn't signed up yet to sign up.
Then give out the intro sheet and talk through it. Offer week 1 defintions to people who are interested.
If PE credit is being offered, the PE instructor will want to talk to PE.
Class Meeting: Introduce yourself and Assistant (Bill Ackerman); Bill may want to say a few words. Check in with Bill about how he would like to be introduced; sometimes he does not want to have a title. Explain what this class/club is (how it differs from other clubs). Encourage them to ask questions as they go through the class. Go over schedule: Every week starts with a 7:30 optional review session; if they are signed up for PE and miss a class they must attend the following week's review session; they should check in every week at the registration table; they can pick up weekly definitions at table or find them on the web. Explain what tips are, what rounds are (and the class may dance rounds if they choose--just mention there is a flow of traffic and they should keep up with it!), there is a class meeting every week at this time; ask them to participate in every class tip; if they have problems finding a partner they can come ask you for help; how to ask someone to dance ("Would you like to dance?" and don't take it personally if someone says no). Dance tip: While in the square, always hold your partner's hand (and partner may be someone new after a particular move).