Teaching Methodology

“For those who have intense urge for spirit and wisdom, it sits near them, waiting”

Lesson planning 4

Traditional Sequencing 6

Types of lesson planning 7

Long term development 8

Presentation of lesson 9

How to start 10 Definition of Asana 11

Protocol and Etiquette “The Bible” 12

3

Lesson Planning

Aim and purpose

Who is the class for, what is the purpose, what teaching or practise are you bringing in.

Duration

Practise the routine - how long to you have, can you fit in what you have preparedespecially when working from a studio - we need to ensure that we maximise the time.

Technique

Use what you know, what you are comfortable with, don’t try to be someone else.

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5

a healthy 90 minute class incorporates Technique Time Rounds Technique Time Rounds 1 Opening prayer 5 mins 2 Warm up 15 mins Repeating & Sequence 3 Sun Salutation 15 mins 1 round up to 3 rounds 4 Asana Types 30 mins Repeating or sequence 5 Relaxation 10 mins 6 Pranayama 5 mins Repeating or sequence 7 Meditation 5 mins 8 Ending prayer 5 mins

What

Himalayan

Kundalini

Opening

What, why, benefits, who are you, how long, level of class, prayer, sankalpa

Warming up and Mantra - based on each chakra

Consider your class your energy the class energy - you may have to think on the spotthe class is about the student, not what you want to teach

Sun Salutation

Which variation, traditional with the surya mantra, moon salutation- traditional v modern

Asana and Mudra

How do the Asana and mudras fit- which Mudra will work for the chakra you have prepared for.. not each asana will require Mudra - but how can you bring it it, where can the mantra fit into asana.

Relaxation

Savasana - what does this look like, will the relaxation be silent, will you speak, offer words of wisdom.

Pranayama

What pranayama works, consider intensity of class, what the weather is like - any contraindications - how to practise safety and effectively.

Bandha and Meditation

Feeling into the energy - the Sankalpa set at the beginning can they bring it into the mediation, silence - what does the practise bring to the student

Ending the class

Aum - Shanti- Shanti

6

Traditional

Sequencing for

incorporates the following: (timing can follow the above).

**** consider where in the world your practise is for example in an Islamic country - AUM may not be acceptable, what else can you use to close the class - ‘thank you for your presence and showing up for yourself.****

Types of lesson planning

According to the age group

Consider the age of students, most classes have a mixed age range and we have to ensure that we cover all aspects.

According to type of yoga

What yoga are you teaching, look at the benefits, what does the style of yoga offer the student, is it Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga - what elements do you want to bring in.

Level of class & students

In classes it is generally a mix- consider variations, working towards a peak asana, how doe the theme of the class fit - use basic words and not complicated so that students can understand at all levels.

According to number

If the class if full - demo class may work better - with you walking in between - use the class space, how will demo, v speaking and walking around work.

According to special need

• Kids, adult and old age

• Hatha, Raja and Ashtanga Vinyasa

• Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced - Individual and group

• Therapy for back pain, diabetes, hypertension and others problems

7

Long term development

• Grounding

• Hip opening

• Abdominal strength and awareness

• Heart counter, shoulder girdle opening

• Whole body awareness vinyasa balance poses

• Inverted poses

• Be creative, but also keep coming back to the basic

8

Presentation

Start

Introduction to the practice

Demonstration

Demo the asana and any modifications if couples or peak

Correction of faults

Count down 10 to 1 - look at students, their bodies, their faces, their energy

Repetition of practice

Repeat and explain about breath - never hold the breath - new students to watch and practise rather than trying to breath or not.

Instruction

Short and easy to understand - don’t over complicate

Class management

Make class clean and create the ambience

Teacher position

Top platform, top of class so students can see you

Personality of teacher

Idol or Inspirational for students, and controlling the class,

Response of the class

Be You

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How to start a YOGA CLASS

• Demonstration with explanation

• Correction of asana alignment

• Repetition of practice

• Explain about chest and abdominal breathing - how to breath - how long will the breath be held

• Breathing while in the asana (do not hold breath)

• Instructions slow language and simple

10

Definition of ASANA

Asana is spoken of as the first part of Hatha Yoga.

1. Asana is a specific position which opens the energy channels and psychic centers.

2. The Hatha yogis also found that by developing control of the body through asana, the mind is controlled.

3. The asana practice is foremost in hatha yoga. When you practice asana, steadiness develops, Prana moves freely and there is less chance of disease occurring.