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?
