Tuesday, January 24, 2012

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


Thursday, January 19, 2012

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.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

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. 

ESL Yoga Mission


ESL Yoga® 
  • develops and distributes printable, ready-made lesson plans for ESL teachers to creatively integrate Yoga related content into their lessons
     
  • teaches English as a Second Language through the physical practice of Yoga and applies Yogic teachings and integrated physical principles as tools for ESL students, New Canadians and immigrants to mentally and physically cope with challenges which arise from settling into a new life environment
     
  • offers staff and teacher trainings for ESL teachers, Yoga teachers and staff supporting New Canadians and immigrants