Because we are all different

Human is complex: each individual is unique and therefore has a different way to learn.

There are 3 broad types of learners :

• Auditory Learners: Those of us who are keen to learn based on verbal instruction.

• Visual Learners: This category of people is more likely to learn based on a demonstration.

• Kinaesthetic (physical) Learners: Individuals who learn by doing themselves.

As the beauty of a yoga class is its variety of students, teachers are encouraged to use teaching methods that would respond to each of these learner.

Verbal instructions - to dispatch clear and precise guidances to improve body alignment and go deeper into the pose. Verbal instruction will resonate in all the students during the practice. It is the a good way to share yoga language such as sanskrit terms or bandha. This method gives students the tools to develop their own practice by understanding the aim of an asana.

Some rules: use positive language, speak loudly, use "the" instead of "your", keep it simple and avoid using words such as "me, I , my" or "relax", "just" and "try"

Demonstrations - to demonstrate is a powerful tool as it will either show students how to do a pose or reinsure them in what they have understood from your verbal instructions. It is well known that a picture speaks a 1,000 words. And in addition, for a French like me, language is not anymore a barrier!

Some rules: be visible, use props to demonstrate the modifications, simplify the verbal instructions and let them try!

Physical Adjustments - to drive a student toward a pose when verbal instructions and/or demonstrations are not sufficient. Some individuals have difficulties applying instructions to their body. Physical adjustments might give them inspiration and motivation by showing them how much they can go into the asana. There are 4 types of adjustments:

• Attention: Bring focus to a specific body part

• Resistance: Offer your body as a prop for student to push against

• Stability: Offer you body as a prop to stabilize a student

• Manual: Manipulate the body to drive it into the correct direction

Some rules: ask the student if agree to be adjusted, be conscious of your own body, never push and check for feedback.

There are a lot of teaching methods to adapt to each individual. Within an Open yoga class, be mindful of each student, their level and their confidence. Being over caring can create tension.

Just trust and respect all of us.