What to say in a yoga class?
- Michelle Rae Sobi
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
These are things seasoned yoga teachers know to say.
🗣️ CUES + QUALITIES + MODIFICATIONS — KNOWLEDGE BASE MODULE
Based on handbook templates (pages 119–126) and Asana Library excerpts from pages 61–66 of the Edge Handbook 2026 Final.pdf.
🌿 Overview: Why These Three Teachings Matter
Across the handbook, every posture includes three key components:
Cues — how to guide a student safely into a pose
Qualities — what the pose should feel like in the body
Modifications — accessible, inclusive options for all bodies
These sections appear repeatedly in the sequencing templates
and are demonstrated in the asana examples throughout the handbook.
🎙️ 1. CUES
Cues tell students what to do with clarity and safety.
✔️ Example Cues from the Handbook
Plank Pose
• “Begin in Downward Facing Dog. Track the shoulders over the wrists into a plank position.”
• “Press into heels as you wrap the thighs and squeeze the glutes.”
• “Naval hugs spine. Shoulders are back and down.”
Plough (Halasana)
• “Begin from Shoulder Stand or Bridge… hinge from the hips folding legs over your head.”
• “Place hands on low back for support or palms down into the ground.”
Standing Forward Fold Variation
• “Begin in Warrior Two… straighten front leg… hands to floor alongside feet.”
📌 Teaching Principle
Use simple, clear statements.Avoid over-explanation.Lead with breath when possible.
✨ 2. QUALITIES
Qualities describe how the pose should feel in the body.
✔️ Example Qualities from the Handbook
Plank
• “Body is strong.”
• “Core strength-driven.”
• “Hug the naval to the spine.”
Bird-Dog Variation
• “Active core.”
• “Power into the heel.”
• “Mindfulness.”
Plough
• “Resist your chin away from your sternum.”
• “Do not turn your head while in this pose.”
Standing Forward Fold Variation
• “Feel the stretch along the back of the leg.”
• “Core is active. Chest is open.”
📌 Teaching Principle
Qualities help trainees learn somatic awareness and teach from sensation, not performance.
🛠️ 3. MODIFICATIONS
Modifications offer safe options for different bodies and needs.
✔️ Example Modifications from the Handbook
Plank
• “Drop knees down.”
• “Come down to forearms.”
Bird-Dog Variation
• “Extend only one limb at a time.”
• “Use fists instead of flat palms for wrist pain.”
Plough
• “Keep knees bent coming in and out.”
• “Use exhales to slowly work legs toward straight.”
Standing Forward Fold Variation
• “Slight bend in front leg.”
• “Do not bring hands to floor.”
📌 Teaching Principle
Modifications are not regressions—they are invitations to practice safely.
🧩 How Students Apply Cues + Qualities + Modifications
When filling in any “Create a Class” template (pages 119–126), the handbook shows blank fields for these three elements under every posture:
Cues
Qualities
Modifications
Students practice by selecting an asana, then completing all three sections based on:
• your voice
• your alignment principles
• your trauma-informed framework
• your sensory-based cueing style
🪴 Student Practice Exercise
Choose any posture.
Fill in:
3 cues
3 qualities
2–3 modifications
Upload to Slack with:
• Your cues
• The qualities you chose
• Your modifications
• Why these choices support mixed-level teaching
Students enrolled in our program may send a Slack DM to Michelle or those interested in enrolling are invited to send a CHAT to begin a conversation.
