Positive Behaviour Management Techniques

Why is it important to have behavioral guidelines in a yoga session?

If a student doesn’t know what is expected of them or what the consequences of their actions might be, there is an increased chance they will unknowingly misbehave in the session. Having a behavior management plan in place can improve the class environment and reduce student issues.

Before teaching ensure you have read the behaviour policy should be on school website, read it and then have a conversation with whoever has done your booking to ensure you understand school rules. Follow their guidance on both reward and consequences. Stick to it! Don’t keep warning, follow it exactly, even if it means a child sitting out for a period of time.

Positive language, praise the pupil next to the one not concentrating. ‘Catch them being good’ secondary pupils often need motivation to participate, this motivation comes through positivity.

When the pupils enter the hall, their first impression of you can lead to how your first session may go. Be confident, stand strong, smile, greet them, look them in the eye and give an immediate instruction, ‘ I’d like you to find a mat ‘ can cause chaos! ‘Ok let’s start at the front here , right to the end, next mat, next mat’ it shows a no nonsense approach.

When setting the rules of yoga (which should mirror school’s policy) as well as stating what you expect from them, ask them what they expect from you? Be patient, listen to them if they have a question, it may help you understand how to better explain a breathing technique or pose. Speak clearly, provide a fun and engaging session for them. Make an agreement, they do what you expect and you’ll do what they expect, I.e the above.

Never shout! It’s crowd control, once you shout, they know you’ve lost them. Again techniques to prevent you raising your voice will be in the positive praise and language you use.