Give the choir members a digital or CD copy of the music on which you are working. If possible, use music that isolates the specific vocal part if your group sings harmony parts in music.
Teach very basic elements regarding sheet music. Show your members how notes move upward on the staff lines when the pitch gets higher and downward when the pitch gets lower. Point out basic rhythm markings such as whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes and various rests. Choir members don't have to be able to name every symbol they see on the music, but understanding the basics will help them follow what's written.
Give each choir member his own personal folder to keep the sheet music that he is using. Encourage your members to make their own notes regarding the music. For instance, you might remind them to mark when to come in, how long to hold a note or when to sing louder or softer.
Remain patient. Some choir members may be slow to pick up what you are teaching, especially if these techniques are new. Other members may simply be resistant to change. Growth as a group takes time.
Boost morale by having regular social events as a group. Having a choir that enjoys being together will keep them motivated. Motivation and dedication are powerful traits for any group to possess and can help make up for lack of technical ability.