The art of Overbooking

Overbooking classes can be tricky but it keeps your classes healthy although it may drive you crazy. No class is permanent.  I remember my Yoga teacher saying if you want to get a good view of the world, stand on your head.  This is what my Fall registration has been like.

This year my MMAH class is particularly popular. I cannot tell you why this is so.  Karma?   I have 8 active children registered in the class and four families on the waiting list.  What to do? I don't have a spot to schedule a second class.  I did consider creating a new day (Fraturday) but it doesn't seem to fly too well with google calendar.  I refuse to open up Saturday.  I need Saturday and Sunday to relax and maintain my health. 

So we come to the art of overbooking.  It means keeping your ears open and sensing the room.  What is happening in each family?  How will it affect your classroom?

Byron is registered to attend my MMAH class, at least in theory.  The mother is going through a nasty separation so she is distracted.  The son refused to enter the room, insisting he will do it next week.  He has been this way since the baby's class.  His feet never touched the ground in babies, toddlers or COS.  We did have a break-through last year when he would burst out with great verbal ideas within the stories. He also loved the drum.   My gut wonders if he will ever enter the room independently. 

Niya is a lovely child in my MMAH  program with a Mom that teaches Yoga and a father that is a physical trainer and major lifeguard at our beaches.  As Mom was leaving class she briefly mentioned they would be living in Aspen from December through April because they can find more work there. 

OK, suddenly I have, sort of, two spaces.  So I offered a spot to a child on the waiting list. I am overbooked by one family.

Until December.

You see the dance?  No class is set in stone.  Families are committed until they aren't. Parents have agendas and events and drama you can't even dream up.  I have learned to use the information to keep my classes healthy and booked.


Now if I could only create a new day in the calendar.....