The school buses are being gassed up! School crossing guards are dusting off their guard garb. School zone speed limits will be in effect. It’s back to school time for many this week.

And a good time for PDs and air talent to be reminded of some programming basics. Many we learned in kindergarten.

-Just play the songs your listeners love and can sing along with. And play them over and over again.

-Talk to your listeners the way friends talk to friends, not like strangers.

-Act like you enjoy being with your listeners. Maybe they’ll enjoy being with you, too.

-Don’t make your listeners eat all their vegetables every time. Every now and then give them some candy.

-Give your listeners presents and throw a party for them and invite their friends. They’ll feel special. Make fun noises that you wouldn’t do any other time.

-If you have to share bad news with your listeners, hold their hand, tell them how sorry you are, and let them cry if they need to.

-If you should take your listeners somewhere they’ve never been, surround them with familiar things to make them feel safe. And don’t leave them alone.

-Be tidy. Leave things on your station where your listeners can find them.

-Warm cookies and cold milk are yummy! Give your listeners special treats.

You expected your teachers to teach arithmetic and teach you how to spell. The ones that are special to you did something extra. (My fifth grade teacher had kids over to her house to watch the World Series). Your listeners expect you to play great music and keep you updated on severe weather. What is that something extra that will surprise and delight?

-When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together. It takes teamwork to make a radio station great!

-And importantly, don’t forget to flush. Be vigilant in getting the bad stuff off your station and replacing it with good.

(Inspired by “All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things” by Robert Fulghum)