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// before day 1 · the exhaustive readiness checklist

The BTT pre-check.

Everything that has to be true before the studio door opens on Day 1. Work backward from this list — most items need 2–4 weeks of lead time. Print it, work through it, or use the downloadable spreadsheet. Items grouped by category. Boxes are tappable in the browser (session-only — they won't save).

⬇ Download as spreadsheet
A

Physical space & setup

The studio itself

The room teaches before the guide does. By Day 1, the space should feel intentional, welcoming, and clearly someone's home.

2 weeks out
1 week out
night before
1 week out
2 weeks out
1 week out
1 week out
night before
1 week out

Posters & visible artifacts

What's on the walls Day 1 tells the studio what matters here. Aim for warm and intentional — not overwhelming.

1 week out
1 week out
1 week out
night before
night before
3 days out
3 days out
3 days out
3 days out
B

Documents & materials (printed)

Per-learner printables

Count = number of D2 learners + 4 spares for shadows, new arrivals, replacements.

1 week out
2 weeks out
1 week out
1 week out
Week 1 mid-week
Week 5
1 week out

Guide-facing reference

For the guide to keep nearby during Week 1.

night before
1 week out
1 week out
1 week out
1 week out

Whole-studio materials

2 weeks out
2 weeks out
2 weeks out
2 weeks out
2 weeks out
2 weeks out
2 weeks out
2 weeks out
C

Digital setup

Learner accounts & software

Every login tested before Day 1. Nothing breaks momentum like a broken login on the first day of Math Time.

1 week out
1 week out
1 week out
1 week out
1 week out
1 week out
1 week out
1 week out
3 days out
3 days out

Guide-facing systems

2 weeks out
2 weeks out
1 week out
1 week out
2 weeks out
2 weeks out
D

Curriculum confirmations

Core content blocks

1 week out
2 weeks out
3 weeks out
2 weeks out
2 weeks out
2 weeks out

BTT-specific Quest content

1 week out
1 week out
Week 1
1 week out
1 week out
E

Cross-studio coordination

Inter-studio alignment

Coordinate with Spark, D1, and Exploration guides — and school leadership.

3 weeks out
2 weeks out
2 weeks out
2 weeks out
3 weeks out
F

Learner-specific prep

Roster + accommodations

2 weeks out
2 weeks out
1 week out
1 week out
2 weeks out
1 week out
G

Parent communication

Pre-launch comms

3 weeks out
3 weeks out
2 weeks out
2 weeks out
2 weeks out
2 weeks out
1 week out
3 weeks out
H

Adventure days pre-planning

Library Day

3 weeks out
3 weeks out
2 weeks out
2 weeks out

Acton Games (school-wide olympics)

4 weeks out
3 weeks out
2 weeks out

Cardboard Boat Pool Day

6 weeks out
4 weeks out
3 weeks out
4 weeks out
3 weeks out
3 weeks out
3 weeks out
I

Lip Dub pre-planning (active Week 4+)

Pre-production

Doesn't need to be done before Day 1 of BTT — but should be ready by Week 4 when the Lip Dub gets introduced.

Week 3
Week 3
Week 4
Week 4
Week 4
Week 4
J

Exhibition day (Week 6 Friday)

Invitations & logistics

3 weeks out
Week 5
2 weeks out
Week 5
Week 6
Week 6 Tuesday
Week 6 Wednesday
Week 6
K

Guide personal prep

Pre-Day-1 readiness

1 week out
3 days out
3 days out
3 days out
1 week out
1 week out
1 week out
1 week out
L

Ongoing weekly rituals (test the workflow)

Make sure each ritual actually works before Week 1

1 week out
1 week out
1 week out
3 days out
3 days out
3 days out
Z

The night-before sweep

// the final 12 hours

The eve of Day 1

Walk the studio once with a notebook. Pretend you're a brand-new learner walking in tomorrow. What do you see? What's confusing? What feels good? Adjust. Sleep early. The studio will read your energy. The standard you set tomorrow is the standard you'll live for the year.

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