Last week we talked about a renewed emphasis on personal scripture study and the importance of starting where our students are. Rather than focusing primarily on required reading, we want to help students develop their own meaningful pattern of scripture study—one that can continue long after their seminary experience is over. This week, I want to build on that idea. If we are going to help students develop a personal habit of scripture study, we need to help them understand

As I have been visiting classes this year, I have noticed something that I think is worth us thinking about together. We are doing a pretty good job talking with students about the required reading for seminary. We remind them what they need to read, encourage them to stay caught up, and help them understand what is needed for credit. Those things matter. But I am not sure we are, generally, giving the same attention to helping students develop their own personal scripture st

A few weeks ago, I invited you to listen to General Conference with your students in mind. I hope somewhere along the way you heard something that made you think, My students need this. But I hope you heard something else too. Something you needed. Sometimes as teachers, we can get pretty good at listening for everyone else. We read a scripture and think about how we can teach it. We listen to conference and think about which message our students need to hear. We attend train

We teach a lot of important things in seminary. The scriptures, doctrine, commandments, covenants, and principles for living the gospel. But ultimately, all of those things should lead our students somewhere. Or, more accurately, to Someone. President Russell M. Nelson taught: “There is no amorphous entity called ‘the Atonement’ upon which we may call for succor, healing, forgiveness, or power. Jesus Christ is the source.” —President Russell M. Nelson, “Drawing the Power of

I have been thinking about my own classe and some of the ways I ask students a question. There are few things that can produce complete silence in a seminary or institute classroom faster than a teacher saying: “Would anyone like to share their testimony?” Suddenly everyone becomes deeply interested in their scriptures. Not reading them, necessarily. Just looking at them. One student begins examining the footnotes like they contain the location of buried treasure. Another de

General Conference is coming October 3–4. We have a couple of weeks to help our students see conference as more than something that happens twice a year. We can help them approach it expecting that the Lord may have something specifically for them. Listen With a Student in Mind One simple practice suggested in our teacher training is to listen to General Conference with a student in mind. As you prepare for and listen to conference, think about your students—the things they a

A Simple Message Home Can Make a Difference One of the most important things we can do as seminary teachers is help our students know that we genuinely care about them. Sometimes that happens through a great lesson or a conversation before class. But sometimes it can happen in a much simpler way—a short, positive message home. Think about how often parents hear about their children when something is wrong. They were late. They missed an assignment. They haven't been attending

As we are starting this year, one of the things I hope our students take with them when they leave seminary is a personal habit of studying the scriptures. Not because we made them do it. Not because they needed to check a box. But because somewhere along the way they discovered for themselves that being in the scriptures brings them closer to Jesus Christ. That is really the spirit behind the emphasis on personal scripture study goals. Students are encouraged to set and moni

Helping Students Develop Good Seminary Habits This week's focus: Study • Attendance • Being on Time Sometimes the little things we do as teachers can make a pretty big difference. Getting students to study, come consistently, and be on time isn't always easy. We can remind them over and over (and sometimes we need to), but I think there are some simple things we can do in our classrooms that can help students develop these habits on their own. Here are four things we can do c

It wasn’t always easy for people in Jesus’s day to understand who He really was. Everyone seemed to have an opinion—“Some say that thou art John the Baptist,” His disciples reported, “some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.” Then Jesus asked a question that went far deeper: “But whom say ye that I am?” That question invited His disciples to look beyond the noise of public opinion and listen to their own hearts. Jesus wanted them to find their answer not thr

Elder David A. Bednar taught: “Instead of thinking, ‘What am I going to tell them?’ the focus should be, ‘What would I ask them?’ And …...

Focus on People, Not Lessons Focus on People, Not Lessons Elder Dallin H. Oaks once taught that a true gospel teacher, like the Savior,...

As seminary teachers helping the youth navigate today's challenges, fostering Doctrinal Mastery (DM) is more vital than ever. It arms...

Start the Year with Scripture in Their Hearts As you begin a new Seminary year, remember that the power of your class will be measured less by how clever your icebreakers are and more by how quickly you help students open their scriptures and hear God’s voice. Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “The central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ” (“The Blessing of Scripture,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 34).

Welcome, Early Morning Seminary teachers! After the spiritual feast of General Conference, we have a unique opportunity to help our...

Helping your students place Jesus Christ at the center of their learning will help them have a more personal and powerful learning...

IF you have not had the chance to watch the S&I broadacst on Jan 23, here is a great little training that deals with the Lofe Skill Lessons. Please give it a watch. It is short, but teaches a great principle that will help you as you teach your students these important lessons. You can view this Video--along with the others that he references here at:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/broadcasts/miscellaneous-events/2024/12-01?lang=eng

Prepare to teach Sometimes, in preparing to teach, you may want to use--or reuse a lesson or activity--you have used in the past without thinking about how it applies to the current group of students that are in your class. This approach often does not take into account the unique needs of your students. When you prepare, let your understanding of the students you teach guide your plans. To reach different learners, you may be led to use music, make an assignment in advance,

Students can take responsibility for their learning in class by doing things the teacher normally does. During lesson preparation,...

I just wanted to take this week and express my graditude for all you are doing. I have sat in many classes over the past 6 weeks, and...