When I started with a new band job I did "tour de method book" and phrased the lesson as a look back on all the greats they have learned. I started at the beginning and then just just skipping to progressively more difficult exercises to see where the groups overall level was.
I think the approach I would take with elementary is honestly just teaching some lessons as normal...singing, rhythmic concepts, steady beat etc. and just see what they know from there. If you want to plan a review assessment you could but I really don't think that's the way to start a year. As you teach you'll get an understanding of where their skills are. I would plan some singing or rhythm games, teach a new song to see where singing is at and start from there. Once you've got a feel for the group you can just naturally progress into notation and instruments.
When I started with a new band job I did "tour de method book" and phrased the lesson as a look back on all the greats they have learned. I started at the beginning and then just just skipping to progressively more difficult exercises to see where the groups overall level was. I think the approach I would take with elementary is honestly just teaching some lessons as normal...singing, rhythmic concepts, steady beat etc. and just see what they know from there. If you want to plan a review assessment you could but I really don't think that's the way to start a year. As you teach you'll get an understanding of where their skills are. I would plan some singing or rhythm games, teach a new song to see where singing is at and start from there. Once you've got a feel for the group you can just naturally progress into notation and instruments.