10/01/2019

TIP #4:
Arrive early for set up so that you can individually acknowledge people coming into your class: (learn names, shake hands, ask about life etc) -
This one seems self explanatory, but if I’m too busy choosing my playlist, taking off my sunglasses and taking off my track pants (hello 1980) then I have to think about the impression I’m giving to the students coming in.
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Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been guilty of this, and there’s always that student who comes 15-20 min early, so I’ll be setting up while I’m chatting-
but I do recognize that learning someone's name and greeting them as they come in could mean the world to them. -
Asking them about their grandmothers’ health or how their audition went last week shows you care about them outside of their participation in your class. -
I want people to visit/chat prior and after class while also forming a community. Taking an interest in your students’ lives helps them feel more included (life lesson? ha!)
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You could be perceived as annoying, or you could be the only person who has taken an interest in their well-being in the past week- -
I’ll take my chances with the latter anyday. -
Easing the transition into visiting/chatting and starting the class on time- takes time and practice as well, but that’s a whole other tip!
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***As always, this tip varies- if you teach at a gym with back to back classes, this may not be applicable***