I teach a mixed level class and while I strive to create a class with lots of flexibility so all the students can participate and enjoy. But teaching & participating in a mixed level class has challenges.
Sometimes there's a struggle when beginning students try to perform more advanced options I suggest for more seasoned practitioners. I worry that a student might injure themselves but I don't want them to feel bad, since it's just not time to go that far yet. I talk a lot about taking care of yourself & not trying to compete, even with yourself, but that often takes more practice then the advance poses!!
Another challenge I've come across is style & pace. Beginning students usually have a better experience at a medium-fast pace, and slower poses can be a great way to challenge more season students. I have one student in particular who comes to relax and unwind. This student often doesn't participate in asanas and spends much of the class meditating. I am always glad when a student knows how to take care of themselves, however this student often requests that I slow down poses, hold them for longer and don't try to do so many poses. I've tried to grant this request the best I can without discouraging beginning students. A challenge for me though is often this student is still not participating in the poses, or coming out of them early even though they were the one who requested it be held longer! Any suggestions?
Sometimes there's a struggle when beginning students try to perform more advanced options I suggest for more seasoned practitioners. I worry that a student might injure themselves but I don't want them to feel bad, since it's just not time to go that far yet. I talk a lot about taking care of yourself & not trying to compete, even with yourself, but that often takes more practice then the advance poses!!
Another challenge I've come across is style & pace. Beginning students usually have a better experience at a medium-fast pace, and slower poses can be a great way to challenge more season students. I have one student in particular who comes to relax and unwind. This student often doesn't participate in asanas and spends much of the class meditating. I am always glad when a student knows how to take care of themselves, however this student often requests that I slow down poses, hold them for longer and don't try to do so many poses. I've tried to grant this request the best I can without discouraging beginning students. A challenge for me though is often this student is still not participating in the poses, or coming out of them early even though they were the one who requested it be held longer! Any suggestions?
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