You have completed your teacher training and are ready to hit the ground running. Or are you? Sometimes those first time jitters hit and then the uncertainty, “Am I REALLY ready to teach a yoga class?” Time and time again I see yoga teachers come out of their training and question their ability to teach. Sometimes you just have to take that leap! Of course your first class may not be the same as that of your favourite teacher who has taught for 10+years and has hundreds of hours of training, but don’t forget that we all started somewhere.
To help curb some of those jitters you may have before teaching your first class, here are some things you may want to prepare for before you hit the mat.
- Plan for your lesson to not be timed perfectly
It is quite common for new teachers to think that their 45-minute class plan will be perfectly timed, but once you hit the mat it is quite common for teachers to flow through their plan quicker then they originally planned. It may be due to jitters or it could be the energy of the kids in the class. Always plan more then expected and best-case scenario you don’t teach those last few asanas you had planned and instead move into relaxation when the time is right.
- The children may not be as attentive as you thought
This is actually quite common and typical for many children when they have a new adult or teacher in their life. They need time to adjust, to feel out your boundaries, understand expectations and figure out how you will fit into their life. Give it a few weeks. Set your expectations and boundaries from day one and work WITH the children to create a positive atmosphere that benefits everybody in the class.
- Stumbles and Word Jumbles – They will happen!
Mean to say Downward Dog but Upward Dog is what keeps coming out? Or forget it all together? Who cares! What matters is that you are creating a caring environment for children to self explore and the movements you are including are safe. Forget the name for a yoga posture? Ask the kids, they will most likely remember! Or even more fun – make one up! Even the most experienced yoga instructors can sometimes stumble over their words. Laugh it off and keep on going!
- It doesn’t matter how many students attend!
Stop counting how many are signing up for your classes and just get teaching! Allow yourself time to practice and grow as a yoga teacher without worrying about not packing the room. With time and experience people will start to knock on your door wanting to learn from you. It takes time to grow your following and for people to get to know you and what you offer. Want some great tips on growing your classes? Check out Amanda’s Business Trainings & Mindful Masterminds.
Remember, no instructor is ever perfect 100% of the time. The important thing is that you have a plan on what you would like to cover in each lesson, but also be okay with what doesn’t get covered. Over time you will learn to adjust your lesson plans based on what you have learned as a teacher.
If you have taught yoga for awhile, what was it like to teach your first class?
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