Last October I approproached the owner of the studio where I teach to ask if we could offer a yoga for teen class as I had been getting quite a few requests for such a class. She loved the idea and we looked over the schedule to see when we could fit one in for the Winter 2010 session. Yikes – that’s one full schedule. The only slot available was Mondays 4:00-5:00. Perfect. However, the next class that day was Hot Yoga starting at 6:00. OK, let’s make it Hot Yoga for Teens. Love it!
That’s all fine and dandy, except I hadn’t done Hot Yoga for years preferring to focus on teaching kids and teens in schools and personally working on my Ashtanga Primary Series. So I started going to Hot Yoga class, making sure that the instructor was aware this was homework for me and that I’d be taking notes during the class. He didn’t mind in the least and was very accommodating with my questions at the end of each session. (total time 12 hours)
I also took out the book Hot Yoga: Energizing, Rejuvenating, Healing by Marilyn Barnett from my local library. What a fantastic read. Ms. Barnett added all kinds of nuances to the poses I thought I knew well. I read it once through completely, then went back and read it again, this time taking copious notes. (total time 9 hours)
Next I typed up my notes one morning early while my children were still sleeping (truly the best time to work uninterrupted). Then using paper cutter, scissors, glue, index cards and a metal ring created a series of instructors cards. (total time 3 hours)
All I have let to do before class starts on Monday the 11th is create my playlist. I am of course following the checklist for teaching teens yoga which states that a playlist is an essential part of any teen class. Since there are some great tunes out currently I’ll be sure to grab a few of those, including Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michaelson – thanks to Shanti Generation for recommending it. (estimated time 2 hours)
So if you’ve been keeping track of the total time in preparation for this series of 10 classes you have 12+9+3+2=26 hours. Holy Cow! And this was my idea? That’s alright. I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully by Spring Break I’ll have my instructor cards memorized, have integrated lots of great techniques into my yoga practice, and shared Hot Yoga with a group of teens. It’s all good.
How do you prepare to teach a new class? Practice yoga, read, meditate, create flow sequences, gather props, review notes? Any good suggestions to add to my playlist?
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Love the idea. Summer 09, I had two college interns for a month, 17 years old, who I took to a hot yoga class for their first yoga class. I knew it would be tough and told them accordingly, but I thought their youth would love the challenge, little did I know. I’m sure you’re teaching experience will already be aware of some of my observations.
1. After being told that both are sportive, from first few poses it was obvious that neither really had strength, active or had the ability to hear teaching/talking cues of the instructor.
2. The language used too adult & had no reference points that could help encourage them to maintain or work thru’ a pose or the class.
3. I felt that one of the girls wanted to learn more, but since it was difficult, they would keep looking at each other to see who would be the first to leave. Eventually they both did give up, but swore up & down that they loved it.
Since I do love to encourage others, including the future teens who may intern with Plank, to discover the practice of yoga, I would love to hear how it went.
Sia – Breath Me
Sheryl Crow – Here comes the sun (for Sun Salutation)
Sheryl Crow – Out of our Heads
It would be great if you could share your play list!
Thanks!
Sarah
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http://www.insideoutwellness.de
http://www.karmakids.de
Doreen – those reasons are exactly why teen yoga is such a must for teens. Adult classes don’t meet their needs physcially or mentally and many aren’t able to truly access the richness of the practice. Unfortunately the teens now think they’ve tried yoga and it wasn’t for them. Hopefully by educating more people on how to teach teens properly more teens will be able to enjoy yoga and incorporate it into their lives.
I saw Avatar over the holidays and I think this movie will be BIG for everyone, including teens. It was really fun and transported you to another world. The theme song by Leona Lewis called “I see you” could be nice for some gentle flowing session or relaxation.
Although it may start a lot of conversation from those who’ve seen the movie. Be prepared! If you get a chance to see it in 3D – it was really mesmerizing.
Here’s a link to the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q__xKmew4fk