Survival of the fittest?

Well, I survived. I spent all day teaching yoga to Year 12 students at a local senior school as part of a PD Day (which I think stood for Personal Development). Despite my apprehension, it went well. Nobody walked out (although one student decided she'd rather watch: fair enough) and three out of the five supervising staff members joined in, which was pleasing.
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Lessons I learnt from the experience included:

• Have a plan in mind, but be prepared to change it, depending on the group
• Despite being so young, teenagers aren't necessarily flexible or strong, so be kind
• Check you have taken the price tag off your new t-shirt before you begin
• Drink lots of water and suck throat lozenges 
• Anyone who chooses to teach full time in a senior school deserves a medal

Initial feedback suggests that I delivered what was wanted. At any rate, my invitation to go back in a few weeks' time to do more sessions with a different year group hasn't been withdrawn.

Back to school

Today, I've been planning my lessons for the forthcoming week, which includes a special day next Thursday, when I shall be working with the students in a senior school. I'm looking forward to this - I did it last year, so I know what to expect - but I shall be a bit apprehensive, nonetheless. Teenage girls can be scary, and I know because I can remember being one: full of attitude and so sure I was right about everything. What do you mean, I'm still like that?

My plan is to treat them like adults. Of course, I'll bear in mind that they are still growing, physically and emotionally, but I see no reason to dumb down. It will be interesting to see how they respond. Some of them will hate it, I'm sure. Some will say they hate it, but secretly quite enjoy it. Some, I hope, will fall in love with yoga. I was a teenager when I first started going to classes with my mum - and look what happened to me.

Wish me luck. I'll let you know how it goes.