Teaching with Inspiration

Elder Boyd K. Packer said, “Power comes when a teacher has done all that he can to prepare, not just the individual lesson, but in keeping his life in tune with the Spirit. If he will learn to rely on the Spirit for inspiration, he can go before his class … secure in the knowledge that he can teach with inspiration” (Teach Ye Diligently, rev. ed. [1991], 358–59).

The Savior taught by example.  His life was in tune with the Spirit constantly and therefore He was able to teach with power and inspiration.  We will never be as perfect as Christ, but we can try our best to live our lives in such a way that we too can be in tune with the Spirit constantly.  We can pray often, we can read the scriptures daily, we can go to church and fulfill our callings to the best of our ability.  We can be baptized, take the sacrament and go to the temple as much as possible.  Others will see your acts.  They will want to know Christ because they know you.  You will be able to teach them about Christ with inspiration and power because you will be like Him.  You will teach your family, the primary children, and others by example.  

Autumn McClellan

Arlington Stake Primary President

Teaching Like the Savior

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/becoming-more-christlike/familiar?lang=eng

Primary children love to hear stories. If you want to teach like the Savior try and use personal stories. They are most effective and deliver the spirit. I love the stories you share in primary and have been touched very deeply from time to time through the stories you share. I know the children feel the Holy Ghost as you speak from the heart.

Autumn McClellan

Arlington Stake Primary President

Effective Teaching

Stake leaders have been asked to think about effective teaching practices.  We have been encouraged to teach like the Savior.  I would encourage you to study more about the Savior and His way of teaching.  Understand that whatever your abilities there is always room for improvement.  Please stop by some of your classrooms in the next couple of months and see how effective the teaching is.  Observe. Bring a thank you to the teacher.  See where you can help and if there are any needs that can be met through training.  

Study Handbook 2 Section 1.2.2, 1.4, and 1.4.1

In the Ensign this month there is an article on page 10 called, "We Teach By The Power Of The Holy Ghost".  

In this article it states that effective teachers love, teach by the Spirit, teach doctrine, and invite discussion.  To be effective we must prepare early and study more than we need.  We need to know and love those we teach so we will use the proper methods to meet the needs and get results from our students.  In 2Nephi 33:1 it says, "When a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it to the hearts of the children of men." In D&C 42:14 it says, "And the Spirit shall be given unto you by prayer and faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach."  We have to pray and ask for the Spirit to be with us when we teach.  We have to ask that we will say what Heavenly Father wants our students to know.  We have to ask that our students will feel the Spirit when we teach.  We then must have faith that the Holy Ghost will deliver.  When we testify the Spirit will come.  Use the scriptures and church approved materials.  Have students interact. Ask yourself, "What will the children do to learn today and how can I help them feel the Spirit?" That means, ask questions, discuss, and have students apply what they have learned.  Invite them to do something and then follow-up the next week.  It could be as simple as asking students to find one way to help a family member that week and then ask them what they did the next Sunday.  Even children are responsible for their own learning.  Help them, give them an opportunity to apply a gospel principle.  

In this article President Hinckley was quoted, he said "Eternal life will come only as men and women are taught with such effectiveness that they change and discipline their lives.  They cannot be coerced into righteousness or into heaven.  They must be led, and that means teaching".

Autumn McClellan

Arlington Stake Primary President