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