Organizing Home Material

If you organize your material before you begin classes, you will have less preparation befor each class.  I create and label a file for each class.  I then put the files in the cabinet and add the material.  In the evening as I listen to music or watch an old movie, I prepare my material.  For babies, toddlers and cycles I place a label on the box, add my information somewhere inside the material and label the CDs and parent booklets. For MMH I will label the folder on the outside and the inside, label the CD and scotch tape it to the folder.  I label all manipulatives and any pictures. MMK is more time consuming.  I label the books and fill out the front letter. I separate the cards and label each card with their name. Then I place the cards and material in the files.  I can't fit the CDs so I will place them on a shelve and put a label on them with the student's name.  .  If for some reason, they leave their material at the studio, I always know who left it.  When I hand out material, I keep a roster for each class and I write down what I gave them.  When I distribute material in class, I don't have to remember who didn't take material (being absent physically is one reason but parents can also be absent mentally.).  I can look at the material and see the name.  Then I email the client and ask them to come by and pick it up.  If it is a piano student and it is part of their homework assignment, I will scan the cards and email them and still ask them to come by to pick up.  This way they have no excuse.