Synonym Challenge

Replace the underlined words with synonyms and rewrite this quote! 

1. Undertaking ________________________________________________
2. Anxiety ____________________________________________________
3. Selfish _____________________________________________________

4. Abandoned _________________________________________________

5. Actions ____________________________________________________

Enjoy! 

Talking about Yoga at a party using the past of BE

ESL Yoga concepts: Yamas

New series of Vocabulary cards:

ESL Yoga concepts 

ESL Yoga concepts go beyond the introduction of vocabulary concerned with the physical practice of Yoga. ESL Yoga concepts explain vocabulary which relate to Yoga philosophy, all Yogic practices and life-style. 

First vocabulary card belonging to our series: ESL Yoga concepts 

ESL Yoga concept 1: Yamas (Pl.)

Hatha Yoga consists of eight limbs or eight practices. Some might call them the first stages of Yoga others might emphasize that each practice is of equal importance creating a whole system of practices in which it is up to the practitioner to choose which practice is relevant to them in any given situation to attain more well being, happiness or freedom.
 

The first limb consists of the yamas. Yamas are restraints which are intended to guide us in how we relate to other people. They encourage us to be mindful of our:
- actions 

- thoughts 

- words 

According to the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali there are five Yamas. They are: 

1. non-harming, 

2. truthfulness 

3. non-stealing 

4. non-greediness

ESL Yoga concept 1: Yama Lesson Plan - An introduction to the Yamas  

1. Conversation: Ask your students what they think is "right" and "wrong". Keep this conversation light-hearted and non-judgmental.

2. Introduction of Yamas: Introduce the concept of Yamas to your students. You can use the information above. 

3. Conversation:
1. Ask your students what they think each Yama means
2. Ask your students how they can apply each Yama in their life  

4. Writing: Ask your students to write their own code of ethics in how they would like to relate to others. 

Lesson plans and vocabulary cards on the other five Yamas are coming soon!!  

    

ESL Yoga Concepts (intermediates) At the yoga studio after class: What is Alignment?

1. Ask students what they think ALIGNMENT means.

2. Watch this video


3. Discuss the following dialogue:

Ben: How did you like your first class? 
Mel: I loved it, even though it was challenging.
Ben: It'll become easier the more you practice! One of the most important texts in Yoga says that when we do Yoga, we need an attitude of persistent effort to attain a state of peace and calm.   And in order to maintain it Yoga needs to be practiced for a long time without too many breaks. 
Mel: I see. You seem to know a lot about Yoga. I actually have a question. The teacher kept talking about alignment. She said be mindful of your alignment. What does alignment actually mean?  
Ben: Alignment refers to how you place all parts of your body in relationship to each other, your breath and how you are feeling. 
Mel: This sounds a little abstract. I don't think I understand. 
Ben: Don't worry! Alignment is about how you position your body in every Yoga pose. For example, in Warrior two the front leg is bent to square and your knee is above your ankle.  In Triangle pose you front leg is straight. 
Mel: So are you saying that alignment is basically the form of a Yoga pose?
Ben: Yes, you could say it like that. Every Yoga pose is defined by a certain form. Although there is a little more to it. I'll tell you tomorrow after class. 
Mel: Great, I'm looking forward to it! See you then!

4. Copy paste the dialogue and adapt it for your students for a writing activity
For example:

• create a gap fill
• ask your students to learn the dialogue by heart, delete some sections and have them fill it in from memory
• ask your students to re-write some of the dialogue or continue the dialogue etc

Fun lesson idea to introduce HEADSTAND

"Headstand"  

ESL Yoga Grammar (beginners) At the studio: Before class Part 1

1. Teacher introduces/recaps the Verb BE in Yes/No questions

2. Watch this video


3. Watch the video again and fill in the gaps:

Ben: Hello. ______ I late for this power yoga class?
Mel: No. You _______ not. 
Ben: Oh, I________ glad. _________the teacher here?
Mel: Yes, she __________.
Ben: Yes, I ______. This ____ my first Yoga class.
Mel: Don't worry! Yoga ____ fun and very good for you! 
Ben: Sounds great. Let's go. I_____ looking forward to it!

4. With a partner practice the dialogue

5. In class act out the dialogue without looking at the script.

ESL Yoga Vision

ESL Yoga® offers downloadable lesson plans and facilitates teacher trainings to build a global community of affiliated ESL Yoga teachers in ESL Schools, Yoga studios and organizations supporting immigrants to inspire communication, well-being and community among people with English as their Second Language.