6 Things Every Baton Coach Should Do Before Fall Classes Begin

The start of a new twirling season is exciting—but it can also feel a little overwhelming. New students are joining, returning students are ready to get back to work, parents have questions, and there always seems to be a long list of things that need to be done before that first class.

The good news? A little preparation now can make the first several weeks of your season run much more smoothly.

Instead of scrambling the week your classes begin, take some time to get organized, prepare your teaching materials, and create a plan for growing your program.

Here are 6 things every baton coach should do before fall classes begin.

1. Review Enrollment & Check Your Class Rosters

Before you start planning lessons, make sure you know exactly who is coming to class.

Review your current enrollment and create an updated roster for each class. Look for:

• Returning students

• New students

• Student ages and experience levels

• Students who may need additional support

• Classes that are full

• Classes that still have openings

• Classes that may need additional promotion

This is also a great time to look at your class sizes.

Do you have a beginner class with only a few students? Is one class getting close to capacity? Are there students who registered but haven't completed all of their paperwork or payments?

Taking care of these details before the first class means you can focus on your students when they walk through the door. Reaching out to parents about payments or other issues will help them to have a smooth start to your classes. 

Don't forget your new students!

Make a list of new students and take a few minutes to learn what you can about them before their first class. Knowing their age, previous experience and goals can help you make their first experience more welcoming. If you have taken our online class, Rev Up Your Recruiting, review the questions and answers parents provided during your initial conversations. 

Your goal: Start the season knowing who is in each class and what they need from you.

2. Prep Your Lesson Plans for the First Four Weeks

You don't need to plan every lesson for the entire year before classes begin—but you should have a solid plan for your first four weeks.

The first month sets the tone for your season.

Your students are learning your expectations, getting reacquainted with skills, meeting new classmates and figuring out what they will be working toward.

When planning your first four weeks, consider:

Week 1: Establish the Foundation

Focus on introductions, class expectations, warm-ups, basic skills and creating a positive class environment.

Week 2: Build Skills

Begin introducing or reviewing the skills students will need throughout the season.

Week 3: Add Challenge

Begin combining skills, adding movement or increasing the difficulty based on the class level.

Week 4: Review & Assess

Look at what students have learned and identify areas that need additional practice.

Having four weeks planned doesn't mean you can't adjust your lessons. In fact, you should!

If your students master something quickly, move on. If they need more time, spend another week on it.

Pro Tip: Take a video on the first night and a video during week 4 and see how much improvement that you have seen 

A lesson plan is a roadmap—not a set of handcuffs.

Planning ahead gives you a starting point so you're not standing in front of your class wondering what to teach.

3. Prepare Your Teaching Bag

Your teaching bag is one of those things you don't realize you need until you desperately need it!

Before the season starts, take inventory of your teaching supplies and make sure everything is ready to go.

Your teaching bag might include:

• Band-aids

• Tissues

• Hand sanitizer

• Hair ties

• Extra batons

• Pens and pencils

• Attendance sheets

• Lesson plans

• Skill sheets

• Music or a speaker

• Timer

• Clipboard

• Stickers or small rewards

• Student goal sheets

• Extra practice resources

• Competition information

• Parent handouts

Think about the little things you find yourself looking for during class.

If you've said, “I wish I had…” during a lesson in the past, now is the time to put it in your bag!

You can even create separate sections or pouches for teaching supplies, student resources and personal items so everything is easy to find.

A well-stocked teaching bag can save you time and help you feel more prepared when the unexpected happens. Check out this video on prepping a binder for your classes:

https://youtu.be/FiiEuho7Mkc

4. Prepare Batons, Shoes & Tights to Sell

The beginning of the season is one of the best times to make sure your retail supplies are ready.

New students may need a baton, and returning students may need a new pair of shoes, tights or other supplies.

Before classes begin:

• Take inventory of your batons

• Check baton sizes

• Organize shoes by size

• Organize tights by size

• Check clothing and accessories

• Identify items that need to be reordered

• Create an easy way for parents to see what is available

Consider keeping your most frequently purchased items readily available at class.

Parents are busy. If they can purchase what their child needs directly from you, it creates a convenient experience for the family and an additional revenue opportunity for your program.

It's also a great idea to have a simple price list available so parents don't have to ask you about the cost of every item.

Make purchasing easy.

The easier it is for parents to get what their twirler needs, the more likely they are to take care of it promptly.

And remember—selling products isn't just about making an additional sale. You're helping families get the equipment their athletes need to participate successfully. Need great batons for your classes - check out our twirling batons. 

5. Create an Important Dates Handout

One of the easiest ways to improve parent communication is to give families the important dates they need at the beginning of the season.

Create a one-page Important Dates handout that includes as many dates as possible. Use AI to create a one-page hand-out that is colorful and fun for parents! 

Consider including:

• First day of class

• Last day of class

• No-class dates

• Recitals or performances

• Competitions

• Clinics

• Camps

• Registration deadlines

• Costume deadlines

• Picture day

• Special events

• Team events

• End-of-season activities

Give families the handout at the beginning of the season and consider sending it electronically as well.

You can also put important dates on your website, parent portal or private group.

Why does this matter?

Parents are much more likely to participate when they know what is happening and when.

Clear communication also reduces the number of last-minute questions and messages you receive.

6. Create Your Recruiting Plan for Upcoming Classes

Don't make the mistake of thinking recruiting is something you only need to do when enrollment is low.

Recruiting should be an ongoing part of your program.

Before fall classes begin, look at your current enrollment and identify where you want to grow.

Ask yourself:

• Which classes have openings?

• Which age groups do I want to attract?

• Where can I find potential new students?

• What promotions will I run?

• Will I offer a trial class?

• Could I host a Bring-a-Friend class?

• Can current families refer friends?

• Are there local schools, dance studios or organizations I can connect with?

• What will I post on social media?

• How will I follow up with inquiries?

Then create a simple plan.

For example:

September: Promote fall enrollment
October: Host a beginner clinic
November: Run a Bring-a-Friend opportunity
December: Promote winter registration

The goal isn't to constantly advertise your classes.

The goal is to create consistent opportunities for new families to discover your program.

And don't forget about follow-up!

If someone contacts you about classes but doesn't register, don't assume they're no longer interested. A friendly follow-up can turn an inquiry into a student. Check out our class, Rev Up Your Recruiting, to take your enrollment to a new level. 

We hope you have a wonderful season!