How to Give a Great Intro

When expecting an introductory student, learn their name so you can call them by their name on their first day. This will immediately help to make them feel welcome.
During set up, decide which teacher will take intros to their seat and introduce them to their “neighbor” and other teachers.
1. Sit intros next to a personable student, and preferably one that has been at Drawn2Art for a while.
Have the intros completely set up before they arrive:
1. Have the 4 picture choices out from the intro book.
2. Have paper, pencil, and eraser ready (be sure they work, sharpened, are clean).
3. Have the introductory form filled out and at their seat.
4. Make sure the intros are set up away from where the parents would sit. Have chairs ready for the parents if they do want to stay. Leave the D2A intro binder and quick info sheet out for them ready, if they stay. This will keep them preoccupied and informed.
When the intros and parents walk in:
1. First greet the intros by their names. “You must be Jeremy. Hi, my name is Ms. Anna.” Make sure if intros are small, to get down to their level.
2. Secondly, introduce yourself by name to the parents (offer to shake their hands).
3. Find out if the intros have taken art classes before, or if they draw at home. If so, find out what they love to draw. Try to relate!
4. Explain a few simple rules: i.e.: waiting for a teacher for each step, drawing lightly, etc.
5. Let intros know it is okay to make mistakes. That is why they are there - to learn.
6. Ask the parents if they would like to stay. If they leave, ask them to be back 5 minutes before the end of class.
7. Great questions for you to get to know the child and their current skills, interest, etc.
  1. What is your favorite thing to draw?
  2. Why do you want to take art classes?
  3. What do you like to color with?
  4. Do you like drawing or coloring best?
  5. What are you most excited to learn?
During class:
1. Make sure you take a little more time with the intros and explain why you are giving them specific directions.
2. When they need to get a supply, have their neighbor “friend” show them.
3. Be encouraging. Really focus on what they are doing well.
4. If the parents stay, check in with them 1-2 times during class to explain quickly what you are working on. You can do this at key moments, such as Touch and Draw. See if they have any questions.
At the end of class
1. Explain how clean up works.
2. Ask the intro students, in front of their parents, if they enjoyed class?
3. Discuss with parents what techniques the students did really well with, and what skills you will work on in future classes for them to improve.
  1. Explain how the students would benefit from taking more classes, and what the students will learn next.
  2. Show students and parents where they would start in the curriculum and how the programming works.
  3. If the parents are interested in more classes, make sure they know that their student will not normally finish a picture every week.
  4. Ask the parents if they have any questions.
4. Let parents know that you have “reserved” a seat for them in this class, if they want the seat next week.
  1. Offer a promo to sign up that day (Free Reg).
5. Before they leave, make sure you tell intros how great it was to meet them, and you hope to see them next week!
If you are teaching with someone, decide who will take lead with parents on the intro and who will start the intro.
Both teachers should make a connection with the intro, but be sure that in your game plan you decide what each of your roles are so you are not saying the same thing or overlapping questions. Keep in excellent communication with each other.
After class, fill out Intro form and discuss programming. Do not discuss this in front of the student. Only discuss future plans with students and parents and what you will be working on in the weeks to come.

INTROS: Office information

How do intros get scheduled?

Parents can request an introductory class from our webpage. The request will get to us via email. We will then respond to their request with a schedule and information. If space is available, we will enter it into Proclass and email them a confirmation.
Parent will call during our office hours and we will discuss schedule. We will then schedule as above.
Parent will request an introductory class using the sheets up front. If you see on the roster that we have space for the day they want you can confirm it with them, write them into the space and leave the notice for the office assistant or manager to enter into Proclass.

What happens after the intro gets scheduled?

We send them an email with a confirmation. It also has links to JotForms where they will read our policies and procedures and agree to them, including emergency contact info and an epi pen release form. Basically, we send all of our paperwork.

What do I do at the end of the intro?

Read #6 in the info below.
If they received the policy form etc. online, they do not need to fill it out again.
You can offer to waive their registration if they sign up that day.
They can fill out the Credit Card Authorization form for the class. Please learn the tuition prices and how to prorate according to their start date.
They can pay cash or check as well.
They can also pay online. Just let them know you will reserve their seat and waive the fee and we'll send them the Welcome Email which shows them how to log into their account and pay for classes.
Please know that we would like EVERYONE to be on autopay. We prefer it to keep everything efficient on our end and convenient on theirs. If they refuse it's fine. We can take other payments, but please let them know that auto pay is pretty much mandatory.

Once they leave

If they signed up, make sure to note it on the roster and we'll update everything on Proclass on the next office day.
We will run their card on the next office day.
If they did not sign up, we will follow up with them on the next office day.

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