COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will teach the principles of providing directive and effective adjustments in poses. Students will develop the skills of how to give clear and direct cues, and how to provide safe hands-on adjusting. The intent is to deepen each person’s understanding of yoga asana, principles of alignment and body movement, and understand how the breath provides information on how and when to adjust in a pose. Principles of both verbal and non-verbal cues, as well as how students receive instruction (visually, tactically, aurally) will also be explored. We will practice teaching each other, assisting in-class and teaching in-community. Variations on poses to address individual needs and circumstances, ethics of teaching, and how to deal with challenging in-class and post-class situations will also be discussed.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
- To provide students with an understanding of how individuals learn (visually, tactically, aurally) and how to provide instruction at various levels.
- To encourage each student to explore the ways in which they can process information, how they learn most effectively, and how to translate that into teaching.
- How to provide safe, effective instructions for moving into, within and out of poses.
- How to assist a teacher in-class, and how to begin directing students through touch, voice and demonstration of poses.
- How to meet students where they are in their understanding and teach from there.
REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED READING
Naada Yoga Assisting 101 Manual, Teaching Yoga: Donna Farhi
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
An understanding of yoga asana, a consistent yoga practice (min. 4 days/week), attending regular classes at Naada Yoga and/or another institution. Practicing teaching and assisting skills with other NYTT trainees. Reading all required assignments. Keeping a practice journal and in-class notes, and discussing practice-related questions.
