Checklist for Teaching a Yoga Class
Before arriving at class site
finish other responsibilities at home and office so these will not be on your mind
personal grooming
attire
class lesson plan with goals/theme for class
visualize class
Things to bring to class
watch
class lesson plan
waiver (if you have students sign waivers)
attendance sheets or rosters
business cards, flyers, newsletters, handouts
music – listen to your music before class. Time it, particularly re: Savasana
boom box
bell or gong
extra mats, blankets, blocks, straps – be sure to label these
jacket (in case it’s cold in the room)
pen and paper
reference books, yoga text books
water or tea for students, treats
incense and candles, matches
cleaning solution for mats
Kleenex tissue
Classroom Set up
clean and tidy the space, sweep the floor – make these activities a meditation
music, lighting, temperature
familiarize yourself with office procedures, if applicable (how to accept money, enrollment forms, etc.)
decide where will you be positioned as a teacher and where the students will be positioned
create neat rows of mats (helps with mental clarity and to create a peaceful space), or staggered sticky mats so that everyone can see
position students so the view will not be distracting (if in a gym setting, do not have students looking out at the equipment/machines)
place your books or chime near your mat
designate a place for shoes and purses well out of the way of mats and walls
orient new students (show them how to sign in or where to leave shoes, purses), and ask new students one-on-one if they have taken yoga before and if they have any medical conditions you need to be aware of (some students may be self-conscious, so honor and respect their boundaries)
greet each student with some form of acknowledgement (smile, nod, hello, etc.)
Beginning Class
Start and end class on time, every time (this honors students and demonstrates that you can be trusted to do what you say you will do)
welcoming remarks
cautions and encouragement for students
Ending a class
cue the students that the end of class is near by slowing down and deepening your voice
closing remarks
After class
stay after class for a few minutes to visit with students and answer any questions.
wash your hands – don’t touch your eyes, mouth, or nose in the interim
take notes – what worked, how might you do things differently?
have students contact you if they need something (name of a book, etc.)
Courtesy of Living Yoga Program.com1