Behind the Scenes: What Goes Into Running a Great Class

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You know when you walk out of a class and think “That was awesome”?

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Now think about why it felt that way.

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Maybe the instructor was buzzing with energy. Maybe the students were especially keen and engaged. Or maybe the session just flowed like clockwork with smooth transitions, great pacing, and everyone in the zone.

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Anyone running a class-based business knows that behind every high energy, high quality session is a whole lot of behind the scenes work. From lesson planning and setup to clear communication and a bit of last minute troubleshooting, it all plays a part.

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And when everything clicks into place, you create classes that people look forward to, staff who feel confident and supported, and a reputation that keeps your business thriving.

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Let’s take a peek behind the curtain and unpack what really goes into running a great class.

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1. Thoughtful Planning and Curriculum Design

No matter how casual or structured your classes are, having a clear plan is essential. This doesn’t mean scripting every second, but it does mean knowing what you’re teaching, why you’re teaching it, and how it builds over time.

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A strong curriculum or class structure helps:

• Ensure consistency across instructors
• Keep students progressing and engaged
• Set expectations for both staff and customers

This is also where you define the experience you want people to have, not just what they’ll learn or do, but how they’ll feel in your classes. Energised? Safe? Challenged? Supported? That emotional layer matters.

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Pro tip: Keep lesson plans flexible enough to adapt to different groups or energy levels on the day, but structured enough that no one’s winging it.

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2. Pre-Class Prep and Setup

You’ve got your plan. Now it’s time to bring it to life.

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Pre-class prep often includes:

• Setting up the space – whether that’s arranging equipment, tidying up or ensuring the room is safe and ready
• Preparing materials – worksheets, props, music playlists, warm-up routines, or lesson notes
• Tech checks – making sure mics, speakers, booking systems or attendance check-ins are working properly
• Mental prep – giving your instructors time to review the plan and shift into “coach” or “teacher” mode

The smoother your setup process, the more calm and confident your team will feel heading into class  and that confidence translates to a better experience for everyone involved.

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3. Clear Communication with Staff and Students

Communication can make or break a class.

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That includes things like:

• Letting students know what to bring or expect
• Updating staff on schedule changes or specific needs (e.g. “Liam needs extra support today”)
• Making sure everyone knows their role — especially if multiple staff are involved

A quick pre-class huddle or team message can help align everyone on the day’s goals, special considerations, or reminders. And for students or parents, even a simple message saying “Don't forget your water bottle and towel today” can make the difference between a smooth start and a frazzled one.

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4. Creating a Positive, Inclusive Environment

This one’s hard to measure, but incredibly powerful.

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Students won’t always remember exactly what was taught, but they will remember how they felt. Creating a warm, encouraging and inclusive environment is key to building long-term loyalty and word-of-mouth.

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That might look like:

• Greet-every-student policies
• Celebrating small wins or progress
• Using names and making personal connections
• Being mindful of different confidence levels or abilities

And for businesses with children’s classes, creating that feeling of safety and fun isn’t just a bonus: it’s a must.

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5. Managing the Unexpected

No matter how well you plan, the real magic often lies in how you handle things when they don’t go to plan.

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Someone’s forgotten their gear. A student’s having an off day. The music stops working. These moments are normal and how you respond can turn a potential disruption into an opportunity to show empathy, problem-solving and leadership.

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Great class-based businesses empower their staff to:

• Stay calm under pressure
• Think on their feet
• Put the student experience first

Having policies and procedures in place for common scenarios helps too: think: first aid responses, class cancellation protocols, or how to handle difficult behaviour.

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6. Post-Class Follow-Up and Feedback

The end of class isn’t the end of the experience.

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A great class wrap-up might include:

• A debrief with staff to share what went well and what could improve
• A quick chat with students or parents to check in
• Sending a post-class message or update (especially if the class is part of a program)

Regular feedback  (both from staff and students) helps you continuously improve and catch any issues early. It can be as simple as a weekly staff check-in or a short survey to customers every few months.

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7. Staff Support and Development

Behind every great class is a great instructor and behind every great instructor is a supportive team.

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Investing in your people is non-negotiable if you want to maintain quality long-term. That includes:

• Ongoing training and development
• Regular check-ins and feedback
• Recognition and appreciation
• Opportunities to grow into leadership roles

Burnt-out, underappreciated staff won’t deliver magical classes. But supported, confident staff will shine  and so will your business.

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Delivering a great class takes far more than showing up and teaching. It’s a blend of planning, preparation, communication and care with a sprinkle of adaptability for the unexpected.

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When you take time to get it right behind the scenes, the results show up in every part of your business: happier customers, stronger retention, and a team that loves what they do.

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Want to take your classes from good to great? Start by looking behind the curtain.

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