Hi All
Well I've somehow managed to stumble into a job opportunity as a Tai Chi instructor teaching in rest homes and retirement village's.
I've only ever taught community classes, so not quite know what I'm in for.
Has anyone taught in retirement village's before and if so do you have any pointers?
If anything this may end up being an entertaining journey! 😄
Farrer
Many of my students are seniors and I also teach neurodivergent people. It’s pretty much straight forward take into consideration that there will be those who struggle with moves or due to age or injury you have to adapt things for them but most of all do it with fun and they will appreciate it more. Good luck and learn from those who have the extra life skills that age gives.
Paul Read
Wise advice!
Paul Read
Lee, I was offered a placement when working in Spain, at a Pensioners day centre. Obviously in this age group you have huge variations in energy, balance coordination etc. Like a normal tai chi class really. It was fun as people came along out of curiosity rather than a commitment to Tai Chi or even an understanding of what Tai Chi was. So I;d start there - assuming people have no idea what they are doing or even why. Explain in all in simple non jargon terms, and make everything simple. clear and easy. Expect many people to do it sitting down. One thing I took from the experience was that clear talking, good achievable demos (no showing off with complicated kicking or squatting postures) stripping everything down to its essence, etc - all these approaches were useful when teaching all ages. Good luck and as others have said - enjoy and learn.
Thanks Farrer, Paul
Adapt, have fun, learn extra life skills, simple non woo woo jargon, easy, clear, no showing off - I think I can manage that :)