Professional Essentials - (50 hours)

Teaching methodology (sequencing, cueing, pacing, class management) – 25 hrs

CUEING

Cueing is the art of giving clear, concise, and effective verbal and non-verbal instructions to guide students safely and meaningfully through a yoga practice.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, trainees should be able to:

• Deliver clear, easy-to-follow instructions.

• Use cues that support alignment, safety, and awareness.

• Adapt cues for different levels and learning styles.

• Communicate with confidence and presence.

Types of Cues

TypePurposeExample:

• Action Cues - Tell students what to do“Press your feet firmly into the mat.”

• Alignment - Expalin how to position the body“Knee stacked directly above the ankle.”

• Anatomical Cues -Reference body parts to refine awareness“Engage your quadriceps to lift the kneecaps.”

• Directional Cues - Indicate spatial orientation“Reach your arms up toward the ceiling.”

• Energetic / Qualitative Cues - Invite subtle awareness“Feel your spine lengthen with each inhale.”

• Breath Cues - Sync movement with breath“Inhale to lift, exhale to fold.”

• Safety Cues -Prevent injury“Avoid locking your elbows; keep a soft bend.”

• Inspirational / Mindful Cues - Deepen focus and intention“Find steadiness even in the wobble.”

Cueing Guidelines

• Keep it simple: Use short, active sentences. (“Step your right foot forward” instead of “If you’d like, you can bring your right foot forward now.”)

• Cue one action per breath.

• Speak before movement: Give the cue, then allow time to respond.

• Use positive language: “Keep your shoulders relaxed” rather than “Don’t tense your shoulders.”

• Layer your cues: Start with safety → alignment → refinement → energetic awareness.

• Model awareness: Use tone and pace of voice that matches the energy of the class.

• Avoid over-cueing: Give space for students to experience the pose.

Practice Exercise

• Teach Tadasana using only action and alignment cues.

• Repeat using breath and energetic cues.

• Reflect: Which felt clearer? Which invited more presence?

PACING

Pacing refers to the rhythm and timing of your class — how quickly or slowly you guide students through movements, holds, and transitions.

Learning Objectives

Trainees will learn to:

• Maintain a steady, mindful rhythm appropriate to class style and level.

• Balance stillness and flow to match energetic intention.

• Adapt pacing to breath, music, and group energy.

Components of Pacing

ElementDescription:

• Breath Rhythm -Match verbal cues and transitions to the student’s natural breath cycle.

• Pose Duration - Time spent holding poses affects intensity and focus.

• Transition Flow - Smooth linking between poses maintains meditative continuity.

• Voice Pace -Speed, tone, and pauses affect student experience.

• Energy Arc - Class builds gradually, peaks, and resolves (opening → warming → peak → cooling → rest).

Pacing Guidelines

• Teach with breath: One movement per breath in vinyasa; longer holds in hatha or yin.

• Start slow: Allow students to settle before increasing tempo.

• Notice your voice: Match tone to class energy (calm in yin, vibrant in flow).

• Allow silence: Don’t fill every moment — pauses let students internalize cues.

• Use music intentionally: Let rhythm support, not dominate.

• Observe students: Adjust speed if the class looks rushed or disengaged.

• Stay aware of time: Know your sequence and allocate minutes per section.

Practice Exercise

• Lead a 10-minute mini-class.

• Record yourself and check for pacing: Are there pauses, breath synchronization, and energetic build-up?

TEACHER PREPARATION & GROUNDING TOOLS

Arriving Calm, Centred, and Ready to Teach

Teaching yoga is an act of service — it begins not when you cue the first pose, but when you arrive in the space.
A teacher’s energy sets the tone for the class. Taking even a few mindful minutes before students arrive can transform nervousness into calm, and self-doubt into presence.

Before Class: Arrive and Ground

1. Arrive Early

• Aim to arrive 15–20 minutes before class.

• Use this time to settle into the environment, set up props, check lighting, music, and temperature.

• Avoid rushing — give yourself the same grace and spaciousness you offer your students.

Grounding and Centering Tools

1. Conscious Breathing (Pranayama for Calm)

• Sit quietly and take 5 slow, deep breaths in and out through the nose.

• Try Box Breathing (Sama Vritti): Inhale 4 – Hold 4 – Exhale 4 – Hold 4.

• Or Lengthened Exhale Breathing: Inhale for 4, exhale for 6–8.
  Purpose: Regulates the nervous system and brings focus inward.

2. Body Awareness Scan

• Sit or stand, close your eyes, and gently notice your body.

• Bring awareness from the soles of your feet up to the crown of your head.

• Release tension in your shoulders, jaw, and belly - Purpose: Brings you back into your body — the most grounded place to teach from.

3. Rooting Visualization

• Feel the points of contact with the ground — your feet, your seat.

• Imagine roots extending deep into the earth, anchoring you in stability and ease.

• On each exhale, release any tension or anxiety through those roots. - Purpose: Creates energetic grounding and emotional steadiness.

4. Centering Mantra or Affirmation

• Silently repeat a phrase that connects you to your purpose, such as:

  • “I am calm, grounded, and ready to share.”

  • “I offer this class with love and presence.”

  • “May I be of service.” - Purpose: Aligns the mind and heart with intention rather than fear.

5. Simple Movement

• Gentle stretches, shoulder rolls, cat-cow, or a few rounds of Surya Namaskar A.

• Move with breath to release nervous energy. - Purpose: Clears tension and awakens vitality before teaching.

6. Silent Sitting or Meditation

• Take 2–5 minutes of stillness before students arrive.

• Simply sit, breathe, and sense the energy of the space.

• Allow thoughts to settle naturally. - Purpose: Invites mental clarity and presence.

7. Energetic Cleansing (Optional)

• If the space feels heavy or busy, take a few deep breaths and imagine exhaling light into the room.

• You can use subtle rituals (like lighting incense or ringing a bell) if appropriate to the setting.- Purpose: Helps reset the energy of the space with awareness and intention.

Practical Tips for Calm & Confidence

• Know your sequence: Have a clear plan and backup options.

• Simplify your goals: Focus on one main intention or theme for the class.

• Let go of perfection: Teaching is a practice — stay open, present, and kind to yourself.

• Trust your preparation: Once class begins, shift from thinking to feeling.

• Smile and breathe: A genuine smile relaxes both teacher and students.

Reflection Prompt for Trainees

“What practices help me feel most grounded before teaching? How can I make those a consistent part of my teaching ritual?”

CLASS MANAGEMENT

Class management is the skill of creating a safe, inclusive, and focused environment where students can practice with confidence and comfort.

Learning Objectives

Trainees will learn to:

• Manage group dynamics and space effectively.

• Offer modifications and props.

• Maintain safety and inclusivity.

• Handle disruptions or challenges calmly and professionally.

Key Aspects

Area Guidelines

• Environment Setup -Check temperature, lighting, floor space, mat placement, props accessible.

• Class Intention - Begin with centering and clear purpose (theme, focus, or intention).

• Demonstrations -Keep short and purposeful; move around to observe students.

• Observations & Adjustments -Offer verbal or hands-on adjustments (with consent).

• Energy Awareness - Read the room; adapt your plan if needed (slower, quieter, or more dynamic).

• Time Management - Begin and end punctually; plan for transitions.

• Inclusivity - Use neutral language, offer options for all bodies and abilities

• .Professional Presence -Stay calm, kind, and confident. Avoid overexplaining or apologizing.

Practice Exercise

• Teach a 15-minute class managing space, props, and student feedback.

• Peer review using these questions:

  • Was the environment organized?

  • Did the teacher maintain flow and attention?

  • Were instructions inclusive and safe?

Integration Assignment (for Trainees)

1. Write a 1-page reflection on how cueing, pacing, and class management influence the energetic experience of a yoga class.

2. Record a 10-minute teaching demo integrating all three elements.

3. Receive peer and mentor feedback.

PRACTICAL CASE STUDIES & GROUP WORKSHOPS

Refer back to Module 1 - Sequencing, safety and adaptations and look at the sample templates for planning your home case studies below.

Home case studies - choose 3 case studies and video the class of 60 minutes based on the baove template and email directly to me for feedback.

Design a 60-min Class for Mixed Abilities

• Choose a theme (e.g., grounding, heart-opening, stability).

• Sequence: 3 warm-ups, 4 main standing poses, 2 floor poses, 2 restorative.

• Include one contraindicated student scenario and how you would adapt it.

Pose Breakdown Practice

• Work in pairs: one teacher cues, one practices.

• Observe and correct alignment using tactile and verbal cues.

• Identify key muscles and joints active/inhibited (Ray Long anatomy emphasis).