Clarity of Teachings

Questions Answered Here

1. What are three fundamental ways you can help to avoid overwhelming new students?
2. What is an example of “yoga-speak” and how can you phrase an instruction differently for new students?
3. What is advisable when using anatomy terminology?
4. If you use Sanskrit with beginners, what is a risk and how can you make it less likely?
5. What aspect of yoga philosophy might you hold off on teaching until students have some personal experience?
6. What are some considerations related to the number of teachings for a pose?
7. If you see that students aren’t “getting” a teaching, what can you do?
8. How is teaching student autonomy different from teaching choices and why is this important with beginners?
9. Why is repetition important with beginners?

Avoid Overwhelm

Beginners will naturally be less familiar with the many teachings they will be exposed to in yoga class. Therefore, since so much will be new, you can help to avoid overwhelming students by taking care with some key teaching fundamentals:

1. Minimize and clarify new terminology.
2. Deliver instructions clearly and simply.
3. Offer repetition for opportunities to practice.