Observe. React. Support.

If I had to pinpoint the most important skill for a yoga teacher, it would be this: the ability to observe. As yoga teachers, we’re not simply standing at the front of a room, delivering information to a passive audience.

Unlike a traditional classroom, where students sit at desks and raise their hands to ask questions or take notes, a yoga class is entirely dynamic. Bodies are in motion, and as you guide your students verbally through asanas, it’s crucial to observe their movements and ensure they are practicing correctly. Our role goes far beyond just delivering a session and walking away. It’s about creating an experience where students feel supported, seen, and safe. This requires a threefold approach: observe your students, react when necessary, and offer relevant feedback. Let me break this down.

Delivering the Sequence: The Starting Point

Teaching a sequence is the easy part. Most of us can memorise our flows, or at least keep a cheat sheet nearby—a perfectly acceptable practice, especially for new teachers. Guiding your students through the poses, both verbally and physically, is only the foundation of your role. The real art lies in going beyond the sequence to pay close attention to how your students are receiving and responding to your cues.

Unlike in a traditional classroom where teachers frequently ask, "Does this make sense? Is everyone following?" yoga classes don’t allow for constant interruptions. Doing so would disrupt the flow and diminish your students’ experience. After all, most students come to yoga for the experience, not just the information. Yet, as an instructor, you need to find ways to gauge their understanding without breaking the rhythm of the session. This is where observation becomes essential.

Developing the Skill of Observation

Observing your students is a skill that develops over time. As a beginner teacher, you may focus primarily on delivering cues and demonstrating poses. But as you gain experience, you’ll start to cultivate a kind of “third sense” that allows you to notice how your students are engaging with your instructions. Are they aligned correctly? Are they missing a key element of the pose? Are they struggling to follow your verbal cues?

Observation allows you to step in and guide your students with subtle adjustments — whether through light physical corrections or short verbal prompts. These small interventions are powerful. They show your students that your class is interactive, that you’re paying attention, and that you’re there to support them. It’s the equivalent of a history teacher asking, "Do you understand?"—but instead of verbal confirmation, your adjustments help clarify the pose in real time. This builds your students’ confidence and strengthens their practice.

The Power of Reacting and Supporting

When you notice a student struggling with alignment or technique, your timely reaction can make all the difference. A gentle adjustment or a well-timed verbal cue helps students recognise what they’re doing incorrectly and how to fix it. Over time, with your guidance, they’ll develop the ability to self-correct, fostering independence and growth in their practice.

Your role as an observer also deepens the connection between you and your students. When they feel supported and seen, they’ll trust you not just as an instructor, but as a guide on their yoga journey. This personal connection is what transforms a good class into an exceptional one.

Why Observation Matters

The ability to observe and react is one of the most important skills a yoga teacher can develop. It allows you to ensure your students’ safety, help them refine their practice, and create a class environment that feels supportive and engaging. By observing your students, you’re not just teaching them yoga; you’re empowering them to build awareness of their own bodies and movements. With time, they’ll carry this awareness into their independent practice—a gift they wouldn’t have without your guidance.

So, remember: observe, react, support. It’s more than a teaching method—it’s the heart of what makes a yoga teacher truly effective. And while it takes time and experience to master, it’s a skill that will transform not only your teaching but also your students' practice.