This season, I am teaching yoga to a high school girls cross country track team. The coach has hired me to come in twice a week for 4 months. When I first received the request to teach, I accepted without hesitation. Teaching teenagers is fun and rewarding for me. What I’ve gained teaching in this unique environment is greater adaptability in my teaching.
The relevant context:
- Yoga is secondary to the students’ interest (cross country track)
- There is no designated room to have the class nor are there any props (no mats!)
- The girls finish their running at different times… some may come in 5-10 minutes late
- Often times, girls say they need to leave 5-10 minutes early
- The number of girls has varied from 15 – 35 partly due to the summer/fall transition
While these factors may not be ideal for teaching, I’ve managed to adapt to what this situation is and actually enjoy it very much. The fact that I’m an aficionado of yoga for teenagers probably helps!
Here’s what I’ve learned worthy of passing on to other teen yoga teachers:
Be adaptable to the environment– When we practice in a hot stuffy room, I realize it has a lovely cushioned floor so we do prone backbends and log rolls to keep it fun. When we practice on the track, I have the girls switch positions with me so they are not facing the blazing sun. One day, I notice a long narrow hallway that’s available to so we have class using the wall for standing poses, half-handstand, and seated poses.
Ask questions-- I’m not their designated leader and I don’t know what’s going on with their track experience. I inquire how things are going and what they like and don’t like about yoga. I plan on attending their meet next week but I wouldn’t have known about it unless I had asked.
Stick to timing-- I make it a point to get them out of the class on time. This seems to allay their anticipation about when their rides are coming. If I don’t have a watch, I borrow one and tell them that I promise to finish promptly and do. In this way, I build trust so they can commit to the yoga time.
Be creative with props– Part of the joy in yoga is experiencing the release and opening of the poses. Props make otherwise inaccessible poses accessible. Using a wall is great, but with 25-30 girls I rarely have that chance (except the hallway I mentioned). I bring men’s ties with me that were $.20/each at a rummage sale at my church. Among other poses, the ties make Supta Padangustasana (Reclined Leg Stretch) a favorite.
Learn names– I’m doing my best to learn names and even knowing some of the class helps me feel more connected to do my job. When they have a question or I have something to tell them individually, I always ask their name. Also, I requested the roster from the coach.
Create class structure– Even with 30 minutes, there is time for an introductory opening and a final relaxation closing. I offer a bit of yoga philosophy and create a sequence of poses mixed with ones they know and introduce something new, too.
Respect their space– These girls have track 5X a week together and yoga is only a portion of their practice 2X. I respect the fact that running is their primary goal and that yoga can enhance that experience. I’m there to plant a seed of what yoga is about and to help them stretch their legs and hips.
A Word About the Poses-- Having only 30-40 minutes means it is necessary to boil down to basic poses. I omit working with partners or much demonstration because it takes too much time. I have them engaged in doing poses the whole time. If we talk and laugh, we are in a pose. I do, however, always include final relaxation of at least 3-4 minutes.
Yoga Pose Tidbit– One pose that they were just dying about… they were both bewildered and intrigued and giggly…. was Half Happy Baby. It took me back to the moment that you discover a pose for the first time. It truly can me an experience of marvel. I just took in their reaction and allowed them to giggle through it.
Tags: class time, how to teach teenagers yoga, teens, yoga, yoga and teenagers
