Find Appropriate Ways to Express Your Love

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. They were disruptive.

What if we occasionally contacted a parent simply because we noticed something good?

Maybe a student helped someone find a scripture. Maybe they welcomed someone who was sitting alone. Maybe they gave a thoughtful answer, came prepared, showed kindness, or quietly helped clean up after class.

Those little things are worth noticing.

Try These Three Things

1. Pray about who you should notice.Before or after class, ask Heavenly Father to help you see your students a little more clearly. There may be a student who especially needs to know that someone sees the good in them.

2. Look for something specific.Instead of simply saying, “He is a great kid,” tell the parent what you actually noticed.

“I noticed today that Jackson went out of his way to help another student find the scripture we were reading. I really appreciated his kindness.”

Specific observations feel genuine because they are genuine.

3. Keep the message simple.This doesn't need to become another big thing on your teacher “to-do” list. A text or short email might only take a minute:

“Hi, this is Brother Smith, your daughter's seminary teacher. I just wanted you to know how much I enjoy having her in class. Today I noticed how quickly she helped another student who was struggling to find a scripture. It was a small thing, but it really impressed me. Thank you for sharing her with our class.”

That's it.

Why It Matters

We talk a lot about loving those we teach. This is one simple way to actually do something with that love.

Imagine a parent reading that message and later saying to their son or daughter, “Your seminary teacher sent me a message today. He noticed what you did.”

For some students, knowing that their teacher sees them may matter more than we realize. It can help them feel like they belong in seminary—and hopefully help them recognize that the Savior sees them too.

This Week's Invitation

Choose one or two students this week. Prayerfully look for something good and specific about them, and send a short message to their parent or guardian.

Don't make it complicated.

Notice something good. Say something good. Help a student know they are seen.