How to Teach Yoga Virtually
Oct 20, 2020
Teaching yoga, especially to students with various physical and developmental needs, can present unique challenges. But it also offers opportunities for growth, creativity, and inclusion. Whether you're working with young children, individuals with visual impairments, or pregnant students, there are practical adjustments and mindful approaches that can make a significant difference in your students’ experience.
In this post, we will explore strategies for adapting yoga practices and discuss the importance of providing thoughtful, customized support. We'll also share how you can bring those same principles to your Orientation & Mobility (O&M) lessons in a virtual setting, where flexibility and accessibility are key.
Yoga for All: Adapting to the Needs of Your Students
When teaching yoga to a diverse group of students, understanding how to adapt the practice to meet their specific needs is essential. Here are some approaches to make your yoga lessons accessible, engaging, and comfortable for all learners.
1. Adjusting for Younger Students and Those with Physical Limitations
For children under five, or those who are still developing body awareness, it's essential to provide clear, simple instructions. They may need frequent reminders to engage their muscles properly, such as bending their knees slightly or tightening their thighs for more stability in certain poses. Encouraging them to focus on sensations—like feeling their muscles engage—can help them make the connection between movement and body control.
For older students or those who are more advanced in their practice, you can add layers of complexity by introducing concepts like tightening the muscles around the elbow (biceps and triceps) to support joint integrity during weight-bearing poses. This might be especially helpful in postures like side plank, which can strain the elbows if they are hyperextended. Simply reminding them to bend their elbows slightly and activate their arm muscles can make a huge difference.
2. Supporting Wrist Health for Students Who Didn’t Crawl
A common issue that many of our students face is discomfort in their wrists, especially when practicing weight-bearing poses like Downward Dog or Plank. Many individuals, especially those who didn’t crawl as babies, may find it difficult to hold their wrists at a 90-degree angle.
To alleviate this, you can offer students the option of rolling up a washcloth or dish towel and placing it under the base of their wrists. This small adjustment helps redistribute the pressure and makes it easier for them to practice poses without feeling strained. It's also important to ensure that the towel or cloth is placed on a hard, steady surface that has some friction, such as carpet or a textured mat. For those who prefer a different hand position, making a fist (with the thumb on the outside for comfort) is another great option.
3. Mindful Transitions for Students with Low Blood Sugar
Moving between dynamic and static postures can sometimes cause dizziness, especially for students with low blood sugar. When transitioning from poses where the head is below the belly button (like Forward Fold) to standing positions, it's crucial to instruct your students to do so slowly. This helps prevent any sudden drops in blood pressure and reduces the risk of fainting. Whether teaching kids or adults, mindful transitions are key to making sure that your students feel safe and confident during practice.
4. Yoga for Pregnant Students: Keep It Open and Safe
Pregnancy requires additional care during yoga practice. One important rule is to avoid compressing the belly area, especially when twisting. Twists are a common yoga pose, but when you're pregnant (or trying to conceive), it's essential to keep the abdominal region open to allow for proper oxygen flow to the baby and the body. Gentle modifications, such as taking deep breaths and avoiding deep twists, can help maintain safety and comfort.
If your student is pregnant, avoid any positions that would put pressure on the belly. Instead, focus on poses that promote openness in the body, especially from the bottom of the rib cage to the pelvic area. This ensures the breath remains free-flowing, and the baby is not put under unnecessary pressure.
Bringing Adaptability into Virtual O&M Lessons
While the strategies above apply to yoga, they also hold relevance for teaching Orientation & Mobility (O&M), particularly in virtual settings. Teaching O&M remotely has its own set of challenges, but with creativity and flexibility, it can be just as effective as face-to-face instruction.
1. Remote O&M Lesson Plans Made Easy
Teaching O&M during a pandemic has highlighted the need for more adaptable and accessible lesson plans. The transition from in-person instruction to virtual lessons often takes longer, especially when creating detailed plans for different student needs. But there’s good news: you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time.
At Allied Independence, we’ve bundled together eight remote O&M lesson plans that can be taught virtually or distance-based. These lessons are customizable to meet the unique needs of individual students, whether they’re learning to navigate a space independently or practicing specific travel skills. These ready-to-go lesson plans will save you time and stress, allowing you to focus on what you do best: teaching and engaging your students.
2. Practice Yoga to Improve Your Teaching
Just as it’s important for yoga instructors to practice what they preach, it’s just as important for O&M instructors to experience the tools and methods they’re teaching. When you take time to practice yoga or experience movement and balance exercises yourself, you gain a deeper understanding of what your students might be going through. Whether you’re teaching yoga, O&M, or any other skill, getting hands-on experience can make you a more empathetic and effective teacher.
So, the next time you prepare for a remote O&M lesson, take a moment to practice the skills you plan to teach, and observe how your body reacts. This can be particularly useful when planning virtual lessons for students with visual impairments or other specific needs.
Empower Your Students by Making Yoga and O&M Accessible
Whether you’re teaching yoga or O&M, the key to success lies in adapting to your students' unique needs. Providing modifications, offering alternatives, and teaching in a way that prioritizes safety, comfort, and engagement is essential. By making small adjustments—whether it’s supporting wrist health, adjusting postures for pregnancy, or offering tailored O&M lesson plans—you can create an environment where all students feel seen, supported, and empowered.
If you're looking to dive deeper into these practices, consider trying out yoga for yourself, exploring remote O&M lessons, and applying what works best for your students. The journey of teaching is always evolving, and embracing flexibility—both physically and mentally—will help you create an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
If you're a member of the Allied Independence community, keep an eye out for new videos and resources each month. If you're not, don’t worry—there's always room for more! Feel free to reach out via Instagram, and let's continue learning and growing together.
Happy teaching!
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