Practicum: Teaching Demonstration, Lesson Plan and Viva
The teaching demonstration
Expect 10-15 minutes. Structure: greet and introduce yourself (30 s), ask about injuries and conditions, state the class theme and level, centre with breath (1-2 min), warm up the joints, teach the main asanas with clear alignment cues, add a short pranayama, close with Savasana and a thank-you. Show three things the examiner is scoring: safe sequencing, clear cueing and professional presence - voice audible, eye contact, no rushing, timing respected.
Writing the lesson plan
Include: title and theme, target group and level, duration, objectives, props required, contraindications, the minute-by-minute sequence with Sanskrit and English names, counterposes, modifications, pranayama, relaxation and an evaluation note. Keep it one page and readable; examiners may ask you to justify a choice.
The viva
Be ready to define yoga, recite yogah chittavritti nirodhah and sthira sukham asanam, list the eight limbs and five yamas and niyamas, name the six shatkarmas, four bandhas, correct breathing mechanics, and the benefits and contraindications of the postures you taught. Answer briefly and confidently; if you do not know, say so and offer the reasoning you do have.
Traps and a rule of thumb
Traps: running over time, skipping the opening safety question, forgetting the counterpose, teaching beyond your level, or giving medical advice in the viva. Rule of thumb: introduce, ask, teach, relax, close - rehearse aloud with a timer at least three times, and keep two modifications ready for every posture in your plan.