Tip 1 – Model
Teachers are required to model the whole class. Due to the language barrier, our yogis would struggle to follow cueing only. They follow the teacher’s every move!
Tip 2 – Cueing
Be mindful of the level of language you use in your cueing – don’t over cue as this would become more of a distraction for the language learners. Be clear and concise when articulating the cues.
Tip 3 – High energy
Our yogis are very energetic and grateful for every lesson; teachers should try to maintain an upbeat delivery. We usually remind our yogis to smile!
Tip 4 – Swahili
Not essential, but you may want to become familiar with some Swahili key phrases.
You can find some Swahili yoga cards here: My Little Zen Yoga Cards
You can find some Swahili key phrases here: Swahili Phrases
Tip 5 – My Little Zen Mantra
During savasana, we use the following mantra and ask the children to repeat after the teacher (some community managers also translate):
I am brave I am strong I am kind and I am LOVE |
Lesson plan sample
The lesson is usually around 45 minutes long, which is guided by the playlist. Teachers are free to add their own creativity to the flow but are asked to embed key ‘My Little Zen’ signature transition postures as detailed in the below lesson plan.
Time | Focus | Tips | Playlist Number |
---|---|---|---|
10 mins | Sacred Space *Key asana* |
Lion’s breath, head / neck rolls, stretching shoulders, cat-cow | Songs 1-2 |
25 mins | Sun A |
Sun salutation (perhaps add some spinal waves – modifications using cobra rather than chaturanga for Beginners) |
Song 3 |
Sun B | Warrior One |
Track 4-5 | |
Sun C | Warrior Two, Three, Moons (depending on the level) |
Track 6-7 | |
Juicer | Inject a juicer / log to bring energy levels to the peak (E.g., Warrior squats) |
Track 8 (this song is upbeat ) | |
5 mins | Tree *Key asana* |
Warrior squat bind moving into low tree, high tree, flying figure four. | Track 9 (the tempo slows down here) |
Yin | A couple of deep stretch postures (pigeon, forward fold) |
Track 10 | |
5 mins | Savasana / end | My Little Zen mantra | Track 11 |