Content: Should I be teaching Sun Salutations for beginners in the practicum?

We would like to see you modify Sun Salutations in your practicum to be accessible to beginners. In fact, it is a requirement that your entire practicum is accessible, safe and inclusive. So please plan and sequence your practicum with beginners in mind.

When teaching a pose for the first time it is important to offer the alignment cues, along with modification and variation options. During the first few rounds of Sun Salutations it is important, for example, to offer knees to the mat in plank pose before moving into Chaturanga Dandasana, and offering Baby Cobra for the first few rounds of Sun Salutations, before giving the option to progress into Upward Facing Dog, if and when the body feels a little warmer and mobile to do so. You might also encourage students to consider coming into Child’s Pose or Tabletop position instead of Downward Facing Dog, if that feels more appropriate in their bodies.

It is advised that you take your time when teaching your practicum and try to keep your sequence simple. This will allow you the time and space to offer the alignment cues, modifications and variations in each pose, without feeling rushed, overwhelmed or leaving you feeling like you missed something out! Remember, quality over quantity, keep it simple and take your time.