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Developing Teaching Skills

Developing Teaching Skills

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people teaching from Preach My Gospel

Purpose

Teaching is something you’ll do throughout your life to serve and bless others. Learn skills that will help you teach others effectively.

Description

Sometimes when you think of teaching, you think about your leaders at church or teachers in a school classroom. But you are a teacher too! Teaching is a skill that anyone can develop. As you emulate the Savior, you will become a better teacher.

Invite an experienced teacher to talk to your group or class about teaching. This person could cover topics such as:

  • Preparing lessons.

  • Asking effective questions and listening.

  • Helping others overcome concerns.

  • Teaching as the Savior taught.

Afterward, divide into groups of two or three. Have each group prepare a five-minute lesson on a topic of their choice, and then have them teach the group.

More Ideas

  • Family home evening—Prepare and present a simple family home evening lesson to your family or class. You may find helpful ideas in the Family Home Evening Resource Book (1997).

  • Prepare a talk—A talk can be a great way to teach others! Have participants prepare a brief talk (two to three minutes) on a gospel topic. Then invite participants to give their talks to the group. For tips and ideas, see “Speaking in Sacrament Meeting?” in the Youth section of LDS.org.

  • Focus on a teaching skill—Read in Teaching in the Savior’s Way (2016) or “How Can I Improve My Teaching Skills?” (in Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service [2004], 175–94), and choose a skill you would like to develop. Then prepare and present a lesson to your group or family that allows you to practice that skill.

  • Team teach—As a group, decide on a lesson topic such as how to make a treat or build something. Work together to plan a lesson, and then assign each participant to give part of the lesson. Consider dividing into pairs to let participants practice their part of the lesson. When everyone is ready, give the lesson. You may want to find an audience outside your group—for example, another class or family members of participants.

Discussion

Encourage participants to talk about what they are learning. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity. You could ask questions like the following:

  • Why do you think it is important to become a good teacher?

  • What experiences have you had teaching others? When have you been uplifted by a good teacher?

  • What feelings or impressions do you have about the Savior as an effective teacher?

  • How can you apply what you are learning in your life?

Related Resources

Sabbath Day Lessons

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