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.
Tips: Try to get squares forming quickly, especially the first tip. Have some extra club who can be cut out by late arriving class.
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.
- Introduce yourself & all class assistants &Bill
- Overall schedule (Each week has a 7:30 review session. )
- Explain how the class differs from other clubs: Speed of learning
- What are tips? What are rounds?
- It's important to dance every class tip
- How to ask someone to dance; how to find a partner; seek class coordinator or assistant if you can't find a partner
- Comment on the club being inclusive.
- (We have asked that people dance only one gender role while learning to dance, but this may have hurt us in some circumstances so I think it may not be wise anymore.)
- Fees for taking the class. Encourage subscriptions.
- Mention that we encourage class to pair with club.