Prepare Yourself Spiritually

Pray often, ask for the Lord's guidance as you plan and prepare your lessons. Pray about the needs of those you teach. Remember that you are an instrument in the Lord's hand; pray that you will know what to do.

Study your scriptures so that you can grow in your knowledge of the gospel. The Spirit will enable you to gain a better understanding of the scriptures.

When we are prepared spiritually it shows, and our testimony is born to those we teach not just by our words, but by our actions.

Lesson Resources

• The teachers manual provided to you
• Scriptures
• Church Magazines
• Conference Addresses
• LDS.org
• Books from your church library
• Mormonchic.com

Begin preparing your lesson early, this allows you plenty of time for prayer and guidance.

Organizing Your Lesson

After reading your lesson, determine what the main idea is. This idea is what you should focus your lesson on. You can begin by asking your self "How is this topic relevant to the class members?". Pray that you may more fully understand this topic, so that you can show the class how this topic is important in their lives.

Study the supporting ideas in your lesson manual, that they may help you present the main idea. Supporting ideas are usually scriptures, quotes or stories. Prayerfully ponder the best way to present the material to your class. Personal stories are also effective ways to gain the classes interest and to get across a point.

Plan a summary for the close of your lesson. Review all of the main points and what has been taught. Present the class with practical ways that the gospel principle can apply to their daily lives. Challenge the class to try one of these ideas in the following week.


Variety of Teaching Methods

• Get to Know Your Students- your lessons will become much more effective if you teach to the individuals, not to a group. Treat your class members as individuals. By getting to know your students, you are getting to know their needs.
• Allow Class Members to Participate-have students read scriptures, or share a personal story. As you plan your lesson look for ways that you can involve your class.
• Use Stories and Examples-these can help to keep your class interested. You can also help class members to understand how the gospel principle applies to their lives by stories and examples.
• Use Music- I know for me personally I have been in classrooms were music was used and it can be such a powerful way to share a message or to invite the spirit.
• Ask Meaningful Questions-that help the class to see ways that the gospel principles can be used in their lives. Ask questions that encourage personal examples or stories.
• Bear your Testimony - testify to the truthfulness of what you are teaching.
• Begin and End with a prayer

If you follow these steps you will have successful lessons. Teaching can be frustrating for some, but remember you are about your Father's business, and with his help you will succeed.

Other Resources for Guides to Teaching (All Church Publications)

Teaching Guide Book, 1994
Teaching No Greater Call, Resource Materials For Teacher Improvement, 1995
Teaching, No Greater Call, A Resource Guide For Gospel Teaching, 1999

Tips for Age-Groups

taken from "Teaching Guidebook", a Church Publication

Children

• Children enjoy variety. Use short stories, games, pictures, objects and activities to keep their interest.
• They are learning about sharing, kindness and patience. Try to problem solve in these areas by reminding them of Jesus' example and encourage them to follow him.
• They are believing, they ill believe what you teach them, but they will also watch to follow your example outside of class.

Youth

• Prepare the lessons to be directly relevant to their lives. Show them how the gospel can answer their questions and help them make good choices.
• Help each youth to feel important and appreciated. Youth need to feel as if they belong and that they are part of a group.
• Show that you respect their opinions. Encourage them to participate in the lesson and that they can discuss their ideas with you and the class.
• For more information on teaching the youth I recommend "Teaching No Greater Call-Resource Materials For Teachers Improvement", 1995, B6, About Youth, page 39.

Adults

• Elderly class members have had a variety of experience, wisdom nd dedication that can benefit everyone.
• Give specific assignments, such as scripture reading explanations or reports.
• If you don't know a particular answer to a questions, or feel that your answer was inadequate, turn it to the class, allow your class to "be teacher".
• Use a variety of methods
• If you are upbeat and excited about the lesson, your class will be too.