Responsive Menu
Responsive Menu
Using questions effectively.
Asking followup questions.
Leading classroom discussions (it should probably be mentioned that the first page will help you lead classroom discussion on questions page)
The stuff below currently this only containts material from teaching ideas for variety but I will also include ideas from other obolete manual and other sources like Anthony Sweat’s video on translating scripture.
Use gospel art to connect specific verses with scenes in the story, prompting students to describe what’s happening and how it unfolds step by step.
Add dialogue to an illustration
Have students write word-bubbles for characters in Scripture Stories art, clarifying each character’s role and how their interactions drive the narrative.
Assign each student a block of verses and ask them to outline the main characters, storyline events (with exact verse citations), and how those events connect to the broader narrative.
Display a set of images that represent key moments in a scripture account; students read the related verses and then arrange the pictures in the correct chronological order.
Guide students through identifying the beginning situation, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution—having them cite verses for each plot element.
Turn a scene from the passage into a simple jigsaw: write scripture references on the back of each piece, then have groups study their verses, summarize them, and assemble the puzzle to reveal the full scene.
Transform dialogue-rich passages into a script so students take on parts, following and performing the storyline in sequence through the verses they read.
Prepare a series of slips with questions in the order the story unfolds; students fetch each question, find the answer in the text, and thereby trace the narrative from start to finish.
Recreate the physical setting of the account (e.g., a jail cell or pioneer camp) so students move through the space as the story characters would, reinforcing the sequence of events.
Have one or more students prepare and present a concise, verse-by-verse summary of the passage’s storyline before opening it to class discussion.
Lead students through a guided mental “walk” of the story—asking them to picture each scene, character, and action in order as you read or describe the verses.
Invite students to list meaningful, open-ended questions that their scripture block could answer—then have them search the text for those answers, which helps them pinpoint the underlying doctrines and principles.
Students role-play as the “author” of a passage, answering questions about main points and intended applications, forcing them to articulate the doctrines the verses teach.
Have students pair scripture references with doctrinal truths in mixed-up columns, requiring careful study of each verse to discern the principle it illustrates.
Individually identify the top three or four truths in a passage, then work in teams to narrow them first to two and finally to the single most important gospel principle, citing verses for each.
Break a narrative into beginning situation, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution—then ask students to cite and discuss the doctrine or principle revealed at each plot point.
Encourage students to add margin notes linking their passage to cross-references in other scriptures and prophetic quotes, building a web of doctrinal connections.
Challenge students to pick a difficult word or concept in the text, research it using scripture study tools (Topical Guide, Guide to the Scriptures), and craft their own definition grounded in doctrine.
Have students rewrite a scripture one sentence at a time in their journals, pausing after each to reflect on meaning, find cross-references, and identify embedded principles.
Place the central doctrine or principle from a passage in the middle of a diagram, then branch out with supporting verses, related quotes, and student insights that deepen doctrinal understanding.
Use a Venn-diagram to compare two topics or accounts—students identify shared and distinct principles by examining the verses that teach each aspect.
Start with a bolded truth or principle in the center circle and draw lines to outer circles, labeling each with supporting scriptures, related truths, or probing questions to flesh out the doctrine.
Run a “tournament” with 16 scripture references: in each round, student pairs read two passages and defend which better teaches the principle, ultimately crowning the verse that most clearly conveys the doctrine.
Student choice study activities
After identifying a gospel principle, let students roll dice or draw cards to select one of six focused tasks—such as finding a doctrinal mastery passage, locating an example story, or citing a prophetic statement—that reinforce their grasp of the doctrine.
Students rotate through stations that each feature different scriptures or quotes and targeted questions, allowing them to compare insights and deepen their grasp of doctrine and context.
Learners link verses to cross-references and prophetic statements—either in their margins or digitally—so they actively build a network of supporting scriptures.
By researching difficult words or concepts in the Topical Guide, Guide to the Scriptures, or other tools, students sharpen their vocabulary and unveil richer layers of meaning.
Structured sketch-and-write pages let students visually annotate their reflections and discoveries, reinforcing comprehension through drawing and summarizing.
Small “expert” teams study different passages or quotes, then re-group so each student teaches a peer, ensuring everyone engages with multiple sources and perspectives.
For the Strength of Youth connections
Linking FSY booklet statements to standard-work passages helps students see how prophetic counsel amplifies scriptural truths.
Writing out each sentence of a passage in their journals—and pausing to reflect on meaning and cross-references—encourages meticulous, layer-by-layer study.
Placing a central doctrine or principle in the center of a diagram, students branch out with related verses, quotes, and questions to broaden and deepen their understanding.
A Venn-diagram approach invites students to compare two topics—such as two prophets or two covenants—and analyze where their teachings intersect and diverge.
Quick rounds of written insights passed among classmates let students see a variety of perspectives on the same text, enriching their own interpretations.
Drawing prophetic quotes from a hat and relating each back to supporting scriptures deepens appreciation for how leaders’ words echo foundational texts.
A “tournament” of 16 passages prompts small-group debates over which verses most powerfully teach a principle, culminating in a class-wide reflection on why the winning scripture stands out.
Student choice study activities
After identifying a central truth, students roll dice or draw cards to select from six focused tasks (e.g., find a doctrinal mastery verse, locate an application story), offering varied pathways to deeper insights.
Cards placed on desks assign brief reading or reflection tasks; as students rotate seats and tackle each card, they cumulatively engage with every snippet of scripture or quote.
Starting with a bolded truth in the center, students draw lines to outer bubbles and label them with supporting scriptures, questions, or related doctrines—building a holistic map of the concept.
Pausing a relevant video at key moments and asking how specific scriptures or quotes apply helps students connect multimedia examples back to textual study.
Students write application ideas on sticky notes and post them, articulating insights in writing and visually representing collective thoughts.
Each student writes a response on a shared sheet, folds it over, and passes it on—building a layered representation of class thinking.
Providing sentence-starters (e.g., “A lesson to take away is…”) helps students articulate their discoveries in clear, meaningful statements.
Visual cards (true/false, “Ready to Share,” options A–D) let students signal answers or readiness, turning individual responses into a real-time class display.
Students place their names next to questions or verses they’ll comment on, creating a visible map of who will share what.
Giving time for journal entries or brief notes ensures students have words ready to articulate when called upon.
Using the letters of a key word (like FAITH) to craft a poem forces students to represent doctrinal takeaways in a creative, structured format.
Building a mirrored statement around a central truth helps students represent doctrine in a precise, literary structure.
Drawing panels to illustrate scripture events and then captioning them enables students to visually and textually represent narrative lessons.
Designing an organizer with title, key verses, examples, and testimony boxes allows students to map their understanding in a formal, shareable outline.
Folding a sheet into thirds to craft a trifold handout encourages students to represent their learnings in a compact, publication-style format.
Diagramming decision points or doctrinal steps (e.g., faith → action → blessing) helps students represent relationships between concepts.
Using blocks or clay to build a model (e.g., fortifications, tree of life) turns abstract principles into physical representations.
Gathering photos or digital images to illustrate a principle prompts students to create a visual montage of scriptural truths.
Crafting a catchy phrase plus an illustration encourages concise, contemporary representation of a doctrine.
Framing a principle as “ingredients” and “instructions” lets students articulate steps of living doctrine in a familiar, metaphorical format.
Acting out a scenario or dialogue brings learned principles to life and helps students articulate beliefs through dramatic representation.
Storyboarding and filming a brief clip requires students to script and visually convey the essence of their lesson.
Writing a mock post or response to a leader’s message challenges students to articulate their testimony or insights in a modern communication style.
Creating posters or wall charts with key verses, questions, and images gives a shared, gallery-style representation of class learning.
Write an article for a Church magazine
Composing a For the Strength of Youth / Friend / Liahona–style article pushes students to articulate their study in polished, publishable prose.
Students read the passage quietly to themselves, giving time for personal reflection and absorption of the text.
Learners jot down their own meaningful questions about a scripture block and then search the text for answers, guiding self-directed inquiry.
Each student selects a verse to paraphrase or rewrite in their own words, deepening comprehension through personal engagement with language.
Individuals assess written statements about a passage, marking each as true or false and then correcting misconceptions by referring back to the text.
Students pick a challenging word or concept and use scripture study tools (Topical Guide, Guide to the Scriptures) to craft a personal definition grounded in context.
Using a template with thought bubbles or sections, learners draw and write their discoveries as they study, reinforcing understanding through visual notes.
In their journals, students copy a scripture one line or sentence at a time—pausing after each to reflect on meaning, find cross-references, and record insights.
Placing a central doctrine or principle in the middle of a page, each student branches out with supporting verses, quotes, and personal observations.
Individually, learners close their eyes and mentally “step into” the story, picturing scenes and characters as they read or listen to the text.
Students list significant words and phrases from a passage, then create a personal word cloud (by hand or digitally) to highlight what resonated most.
In the margins of their scriptures or journal, learners link passages to related verses and prophetic quotes, building a personal network of cross-references.
Using the letters of a key word (e.g., FAITH), each student composes a poetic acrostic that encapsulates lessons learned.
Folding a sheet of paper into thirds, individuals produce a trifold handout summarizing doctrine, key verses, and personal applications.
Students design a single-panel illustration with a catchy phrase and scripture reference, distilling a principle into a concise, creative format.
Each learner writes a letter—to themselves, family, or future students—articulating insights and testimony to be opened at a significant later date.
In the small-group variation, each student takes one role (characters, storyline, lessons, application) and then they synthesize their parts into a coherent report.
Students pair up to pick their top two truths, then join another pair to debate and agree on the single most important idea together.
Small “expert” teams dive into different topics or passages, then re-form into mixed groups so each student teaches their area of expertise to peers.
Groups rotate through stations, discussing different scriptures or quotes and recording insights on large paper to share with the whole class.
Teams answer a sequence of scripture-based questions on slips of paper—racing back and forth to uncover each layer of the text together.
Pairs or trios debate which of two paired verses best illustrates a principle, advancing their choice in a tournament bracket until one passage “wins.”
Student choice study activities
Small groups roll dice or draw cards to select from a menu of six focused tasks (finding mastery verses, examples, quotes, etc.), then teach their findings to each other.
Each group receives a puzzle piece with scripture references on the back; they study and summarize their verses before assembling the picture as a team.
In groups, students curate verses, quotes, and images onto posters or wall charts—then tour each other’s displays to discuss varied interpretations.
Each station centers on a short scripture passage or prophetic quote, with focused questions to unpack its meaning before rotating groups through every station.
Students add margin notes linking a central verse to supporting scriptures and prophetic quotes, making those short citations the anchor of their study.
For the Strength of Youth connections
Place targeted FSY statements alongside key verses, having students match or discuss how each quote amplifies the scriptural truth.
Students rewrite one sentence of a passage at a time, leaving space to annotate with cross-references or related quotes before moving to the next line.
Put a concise quote or scripture reference in the center and branch out with related verses, quotes, and student-generated insights.
Use a Venn diagram with two core verses or quotes in each circle—students identify shared and unique teachings of each.
Give each student a scripture snippet or quote on paper. After a timed read, they jot a quick insight, then pass the paper to add a new observation, centering discussion on those snippets.
Place several church leader quotes in a hat. Volunteers draw one, read it aloud, then link it to a scripture passage that supports or expands its message.
Seed a “tournament” with 16 brief verses; in head-to-head rounds, pairs defend which verse most powerfully teaches the doctrine, spotlighting those short texts.
Student choice study activities
After identifying a central principle, students roll or draw to select tasks like “Find a doctrinal-mastery verse” or “Locate a prophetic quote,” making those short citations the lesson’s focus.
Start with a bolded scripture verse or quote in the middle; students draw spokes to related citations, questions, or ideas, creating a web anchored on that core text.
Cards placed around the room each contain a scripture reference or quote. Students rotate to read and reflect briefly, tracing a “snake” of interconnected snippets through the lesson.
While playing a gospel video, pause at moments tied to a short verse or quote displayed on screen—students read the text aloud and discuss how it illuminates the scene.
This is so sad there’s no ideas here yet 🙁 come back soon and there should be some idea ideas.
Art interpretation (piece-by-piece reveal)
Begin by showing just a fragment of a gospel image, inviting students to guess what’s happening—heightening curiosity before diving into the text.
Video pause
Play a short video clip and pause at a suspenseful moment, asking “What do you think will happen next?” to prime their attention and link to the upcoming lesson.
Scenario starter
Present an incomplete scenario (e.g., “Julia just received this text…”), and have students fill in details—drawing them into the context of the main activity.
Use a photo / Take a picture
Show a striking photo (either from your device or theirs) and ask “What gospel principle does this image remind you of?” to spark connection and anticipation.
Stop sign
Slowly read a verse and have students say “Stop!” when they notice a key word or phrase, engaging them actively from the first lines.
Poll the class
Launch a quick anonymous vote (paper slip or app) on a thought-provoking question related to the lesson, then display results as a transition into deeper study.
Power phrases
Display a handful of sentence starters (e.g., “A verse I love is…”) and invite volunteers to complete one—getting everyone thinking in gospel-focused terms.
Sticky board
Post several opening questions and have students place their name cards next to the one they’re most curious about, setting the stage for the main discussion.
Speed friendshipping
Pair students for 30-second rounds of “What excites you most about today’s topic?”—energizing them through rapid, focused sharing before the lesson begins.
Study snake
Scatter brief instruction cards around the room; as students rotate to each card, they complete a quick prompt (a one-sentence insight or question), warming up their minds for the main activity.