Beginning to play
Teach in parallel. That is, all students learn to read the same notes as each other (even though they sound an octave apart).
So starting with G, descants(sopranos) and tenors use three fingers while the sopraninos and alto/trebles (or basses) use 6 fingers.
Descants and tenors
G notation
Sopraninos, altos and bass
Don't transpose, but be aware that Sopranos (descants) and tenors are C recorders...that is all fingers down makes a C note.
Sopraninos, altos (trebles) and basses are F recorders...that is, all fingers down make an F note. See above that G is one note up from F on these recorders, while G is a 5th further up on the C recorders.
Try the note up....
Descants and Tenors
A
Sopraninos, Altos and Bass
When you all have G A and B...everyone can play Hot Cross Buns together....
Descants and Tenors
B
Sopraninos, Altos and Bass
B A G - / B A G - /GGGGAAAA/ B A G - //