13 Step Prompt Cards

 When I began teaching IC classes, I had a notebook with the 13 steps, and my ideas  for that particular class. It was kind of cumbersome, and I sometimes got lost ... So I made a flow chart, moving from step to step - then hit on making prompt cards! 

Viola! Much easier! 

13 Step Prompt Cards - 2×2"

You can make a set of prompt cards for Red Thread circles, as well, and can adapt the process for any class you're offering, it's very adaptable for your needs. 

Here is the little video tutorial IC teacher Sepha Nesbit and I created for the Color of Woman class of 2018. 

Materials

• 140# watercolor paper (can be from a pad)
• 13 step overview (or other class process you'd like cards for)
• Watercolors or acrylics, Neocolor 2 crayons, Inktense pencils
• Calligraphy pen, markers, sharpie
• Brushes and water container, aqua brush
• Binder ring and hole punch (optional)

Preparation

• Spend some time with each step and sketch out ideas
• Symbols and images for the concepts
• Name of step
• description for back of card 

Creating the cards

• Bless the paper and set your intention for making the cards
• Paint the background and let it dry - not too dark
• Fold and tear cards - they can be from around 2x2" - 3x4" 
• Write the name of the step in the painted side in calligraphy pen or Sharpie
• Draw symbols and images for that step with marker, Inktense or watercolor pencils and activate with water
• Write the instructions for the step on the reverse
• Create a Card for each of the steps
• Punch a hole in the corner, stack in order and connect with a binder ring, or make a folder or envelope for the cards

New Class

• When you're offering a new class, sit with your journal and deck to fine tune the flow for this class. Do you need to rearrange the order? 
• Will you combine a couple of steps for a shorter class?
• Or revisit steps for a longer workshop?
• Are there any special techniques or instructions that you need a card for?
• Create card/s for your theme, i.e. "Queen of your own heart:" crown, heart, orb, sovereign symbol and a few words about the meaning of each (you could do this on larger paper, and keep them in a notebook, or create a handout with symbol ideas)
• In a Wonder Woman class, we explored her strengths and weaknesses, the qualities of her allies and arch enemies, and choose a power symbol

Optional additional cards 

• Card with the 13 steps in order 
• Symbol Override - what additional information is coming through?
• Red Thread Circle and closure cards
• Favorite short quotes to read during class
• Inquiries and prompts for journaling
• Tips for dealing with the CRITIC when she appears - sorting gravel in the parking lot is a favorite of my students! 
• Antidotes for "I hate my painting!" : a movement break; tea and chocolate; black and white photo for value/contrast; sit back and "take it to the journal," "when in doubt/angst - glaze!"
• Several inquiries for Red Thread circles

Personal Support

• Go through your Story Cards and pull out several related to teaching, confidence, having something to share, connecting with YOUR beloveds, etc 
• You may wish to make a couple of new story cards after class, as you identified additional stories and gain new insights 
• Totem and Ally cards, inspired by totems/symbols which appeared on your paintings: Mine include Humming Bird, for keeping place work and encouraging my beloveds, Time Angels for staying "timely," and Beloveds. These often go on the altar.
• Did new allies or symbols come through in a recent class? 
• You might make additional symbol/totem cards for your teaching deck.
• Journal after the class about what came up for you or your students, and ideas for improvement or follow up. 
• You may wish to dedicate a journal to classes, including both process and ideas for future offerings.

Having this set of prompt cards has simplified my class preparation and flow. I like having the prompt cards on their ring, which I can tuck in the corner of my altar box, and my totem and other support cards are in an envelope. 

I've made several sets, as insights have come, and review them before teaching. When working on a class demo, I pull out my deck and make adjustments as needed.

I hope you find them helpful for your classes!