Guidelines for Teaching with Themes or Incorporating Philosophy
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Teaching Arts
Overview
In this lesson, we provide guidelines for teaching with themes and for effectively teaching philosophy with asana.
Objective
Be familiar with techniques and considerations for effectively teaching themed yoga classes.
What You'll Get
Explain the potential benefits of teaching themed yoga classes. Describe considerations or guidelines that may support effective teaching of themes in yoga. Describe some of the subtleties related to “teaching what you know.” Explain how you might teach concepts in a universal way. Describe the challenge of effectively distilling a concept down to its essence. Provide considerations that might help to effectively distill a concept for teaching it in class. Describe a common mistake when introducing a philosophical point in class and how you can avoid this. Provide components of an effective theme plan. Describe how to effectively teach a theme while also staying with students’ present moment experience.
Introduction
Many students find incomparable value and inspiration from the deeper teachings that are thoughtfully shared in class. Here you’ll find considerations related to teaching themes in general. To choose a particular theme, please see Themes & Readings Hub.
When class themes are taught effectively, they can benefit both teachers and students:
- Theme readings provide the opportunity to offer wisdom and inspiration to students who are often hungry for such teachings.
- The meaning and depth from a related theme can increase practice effectiveness.
- Teachers can be continually inspired by what they love.
- Themes are a vehicle for teachers to share their uniqueness and to teach from their own truth.
Guidelines Overview
Here are some considerations for effectively utilizing themes in yoga teaching:
- Teach what you know.
- Invite a personal connection.
- Distill concepts down to their essence.
- Have a plan.
- Practice your delivery.
- Tie the teaching to what the student is doing.
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