To Seminary Teachers… Advice from Hank Smith

This is Hank.

Hank and I worked at EFY together back in the day and have taught seminary in the same or nearby areas ever since then.  Hank is a FANTASTIC teacher and a popular youth speaker with several CDs available at Deseret Book.  Once in class I had my students put these scripture mastery stickers in their scriptures and while they worked on it in class I played on of his talks and they LOVED it.

5temptationkillerscd_product

Hank was nice enough to give his great advice to those of you who teach seminary.  AND his is giving away 2 of his newest CDs 5 Temptation Killers to one of you lucky readers!

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I’ve been teaching seminary for 12 years and I still get nervous for the first day of school.

The first day of seminary fills every teacher with a mixture of anxiety and excitement.  If you are feeling uneasy about your first few days of teaching, you are definitely not alone.  My hope is to help you by offering a few practical ideas that have helped me have a successful beginning each year.  Obviously, not all seminary classrooms are the same, so feel free to adjust some of these methods to fit your situation.

 

  • Knowing names works.

This is probably obvious to all, but I couldn’t not mention it.  Long before Dale Carnegie wrote How to Win Friends and Influence People, the scriptures taught the importance of calling people by name.  Imagine the look on Zachaeus’ face when the Savior called him by name and told him to climb down from the sycamore tree (Luke 19:5).  Imagine how the teenage Joseph Smith felt when he heard Heavenly Father call him by name.  A person’s name is the most beautiful word in their life.  A great seminary teacher learns names early and uses them often.

 

I have my students write their name on a piece of cardstock and hold it in front of them while another student snaps their picture with my camera.  When I get home that evening, I’ll study those pictures until I know all of my students’ names.  I love the look on their faces when I call them by name on the second day of class!

 

  • A quick singing lesson works.

Like you, most teenagers are feeling a bit nervous on the first day and they’ll likely be a little timid with an opening hymn, especially in a small class.  This is a great opportunity for you to have some fun and have a short “singing lesson.”  Tell the students how important hymns are to each day in seminary and let them know that they need to get past singing shyness if they are going to make seminary great.  I will play a note on the piano and we’ll practice singing that note softly, loudly, extremely softly, extremely loudly, peacefully, and cheerfully.  (There are plenty of words at the top of each hymn to choose from.)  Have fun with this and the students will to.  You’ll see them loosen up and, as a result, the opening hymn will be sung with some feeling.

 

  • Teaching a lesson on the first day works.

You’ll probably have enough class business (rolls, materials, rules and policies, etc) to fill the entire first day, but don’t do it!  It is a good idea to get some of the business out of the way on the first day, but reserve some time towards the end to teach a powerful lesson.  It doesn’t have to be long, I usually use a few verses of scripture (not all of them will have scriptures so make sure to make copies) and a great quote about the New Testament or about the Savior.  A short, powerful lesson coupled with a short, powerful testimony is a great recipe for the end of your first day.  It sets the tone for the rest of the year and sends a message to your students that this is what seminary is all about.

 

  • “My Story” works.

President Monson said, “Each student in seminary… has a story waiting to be told. Listening is an essential element as we teach and as we learn.”  (Ensign, June 2007)  During the first week of each year I make sure to give students time to tell me their story.  On the second or third day of class I give all of the students a piece of lined paper with the words “My Story” on top.  I tell the students to tell me as much as they want to about themselves.  I’ve found it helps to give them a few ideas, but not too many that they can’t be creative.  (Make sure you are clear that if they tell you anything that you legally have to report, such as rape or abuse, you will report it – it is rare, but I’ve run into it before)  You’ll find that most teenagers want to tell their story and it creates a connection between you two, especially if you reference something they wrote in a later conversation.

 

  • Post-it Note Messages work.

One of the most effective and wonderful ideas I’ve used in seminary is writing a quick complementary note to 1-2 students every day.   I usually use a post it note and then put it on their scriptures for them to find the next day of class.  I’ll complement them on a comment they made in class or something I saw them do.  These usually take under two minutes to write, but the students love them and keep them.  At the end of the year you’ll see the notes still stuck in their folders or scriptures.  I’ve found that a student who finds a note on their scriptures when they come into class gives increased effort to participate that day.

I hope these five ideas help you as you start a new year of teaching.

Remember, you are part of a huge team of seminary teachers across the world.  We all experience our share of failure and success in the classroom.  If you happen to have a bad day, put it behind you, keep moving forward, and come back the next day ready to give it your best.  You’ll be in my prayers, I better be in yours!

 

–          Hank

86 comments

  1. Thanks for the idea of using sticky notes to compliment students. I like the idea of using a written note. As a teacher this will help me to remember the comments that the students make and let them know that I was listening too. I appreciate all the great ideas.

  4. I will definately use the post it note idea. I know all my students (17) since most are in my ward and half of these were here last year…but I agree it is so important to know your students’ names.

  6. i loved the post it note message…who doesnt love a post it note..espcially when it says something heart felt 🙂 great ideas overall. thanks!

  7. Love all these suggestions–can’t pick a favorite. There is nothing better than teaching seminary, and these are great ideas. OK–singing lessons are great!

  8. ohhh i liked it all, but i sooo agree with learning their names and the CORRECT spelling. Nothing says i don’t care louder than you writing their name wrong! 🙂

  9. I love the post-it message idea!! I want to use this in my YW classes. They all have Arise and Shine Forth Lesson Journals. It will be fun to slip little notes into each of them!

  10. I hate to be repetitive, but I like the idea of students sharing their story too 😀 Everyone has a story, and every story has value in the words on the page, those between the lines, and those unwritten.

  12. I liked it on facebook. I also listened to a clip and it is so engaging and worthwhile listening material. Thanks for the chance to win something so valuable!

  13. i am going to try the singing lesson. I am a brand new teacher but was told that the students haven’t been singing the last few years so I hope this will get them more comfortable. I’m off to like the FB page now!

  14. I am thankful for the post-it note idea! I was called as an early morning seminary teacher just one week before we started. I now have one week behind me and I am looking forward to the rest of the year. I leave each morning and rush to the high school like my students because I am also a high school teacher. I was so touched to hear my students sing hymns and pray…something that doesn’t happen in the high school classroom. What a blessing it is to teach seminary!

  15. Great Ideas! Never thought of a singing lesson before but I think it is a wonderful idea for the kids. I think it will really loosen the kids up and help them not to be bashful when they sing.

  17. I am not a seminary teacher. But, I would hope that my daughter’s first year in seminary will be blessed by a teacher as thoughtful as Hank. I am currently serving in the YW Pres. and love the idea of “Post-It Notes”. I have found that when I have prepared well for yw class and have sought the companionship of the Holy Ghost that I will recieve promptings during moments such as the opening song, yw theme, announcements, etc. If I can take some Post-It notes with me, I can jot down prompting and pass it along to the girl before she leaves. I guess this would work well with any notepad. But, I loved the article.

  18. Thanks for acknowledging the reality of first-day jitters! I appreciated the reminder for keeping business on the first day to a minimum. I really like to post it note idea and will implement it right away. We just finished day 2 and are off to a good start!

  19. I love the “my story” idea. Even though the students may be in our ward and we think we know them, letting them write “their” story may give us a whole differerent perspective on them! Thank you for the great tips.

  20. Thanks for the great start up ideas. We actually started Seminary last week but the ideas can still be put to use. I especially loved the post-it note idea and “My Story”

  21. Thank you for your helpful tips! I am a new teacher (just called on Sunday!) and have been quite overwhelmed on how to start. I like that you just do a lesson on a few scriptures on the first day along with your testimony. That helps me a lot! Thank you!!

  23. I like the post it note idea Nd if you put all the kids names on them before seminary you can make sure you don’t miss any kids.

  24. I was just called to be a seminary teacher this year. This will be my first experience! I am so grateful for the ideas and suggestions. I especially appreciate the advise to give a lesson the first day…I initially had thought of just doing the things necessary to organize the class, but realize now that the most important thing is to have the kids feel the spirit.

  25. Ah, you are a day late! Yesterday was interesting to say the least, but I’m using the post it note idea right now and think we’ll practice ‘singing’ tomorrow. Thanks for sharing and loved the snippet I heard of your new CD

  26. Hank Smith is awesome! My daughter first met him at EFY, he being one of her leaders, and then again at a Youth Conference and then again at EFY the next year and she was really impressed that he remembered her name each time she saw him…even after a year. That made a big impression on her as well as his character. And how fun he made the gospel.
    I’m not a seminary teacher, rather a Sunday School teacher to 16-17 yr olds – best calling ever! I love the input and treasure the knowledge you share.
    Thank you Hank Smith for your example – you have amazing talents as does Sister Shannon – thank you both for sharing!

  28. I really liked the My Story thing, and the notes to the students. It means a lot to someone to give them compliments here and there.

  29. I love love love the post it notes! I had contemplated note cards, envelope etc…but always seemed so overwhelming to ma and the student. (Too formal?) So yeah, Post-its! Duh! 🙂 Thank you!!!!

  30. Wow – you boosted my confidence today because I am already doing
    3-1/2 out of the 5 things!! yippee ! The singing tip is awesome but I will probably have to repeat it weekly – early morning voices are not confident voices. Shannon – thank you for inviting Bro Smith to share his experience with us …………. d

  32. Thanks for the great tips. I will definately teach a singing lesson and I love the idea of the post-it notes. Thank you for sharing!!

  33. First of all I loved all of the ideas. I’ve worked with youth for several years in several callings and with my job. Sticky notes are a great idea. Kids love to be noticed for the good they do.

  35. I really appreciate the idea of incorporating a hymn into class. Music has a way of bringing in the spirit! And yes, most teens this age are “too cool” to sing. Hank’s idea to get them to lighten up is great! I might try this with my family during FHE too 🙂

  38. I don’t teach seminary but I teach Sunday School to the youth 14-18 in our ward. I love all of your suggestions. They all really apply to Sunday School as well. I have found that the more they feel I am interested in them, the more receptive they are to what I have to teach. Taking the time to write notes as well as letting them share things about themselves would really help. And I know that they really do come to class to learn. So always having a great lesson is so important. I will remember your suggestions and work at applying them in my classes. Thanks!

  39. thank you for the great ideas. i am a second year called, early morning teacher (5:55 am). it’s a huge relief to know that even the trained, professional, seasoned teachers get nervous! i loved the post it note idea and plan to try it with my kids. and i would love the cd, the youth can never hear too m any inspirational messages.

  40. I love the “my story” idea and the “post it” notes. We do post it note compliments/encouragements with our family. By the way, post it notes are currently on sale at Target (500 page block for $4). Thank you for a wonderful blog!

  41. LOVED all of Hank’s ideas!! I really liked the idea of taking some time on the first day to teach a lesson. I’m definitely going to do that this year along with all of his other great ideas! Thanks for sharing!!

  42. I really like the “my story” idea. There is so much you can learn from not only what they write, but what they don’t write. I also loved the photo/name idea, how clever! I’m so bad with faces and this is a great idea.

  43. Seriously–5 great tips that apply to anyone working with youth. If I had to choose a favorite then it would be the post it note. Youth today have SO much negative around them. So many are so quick to point out what they are doing “wrong”. Wouldn’t it nice for youth to find a note telling them something they did “right”?

  44. These are 5 great tips for any teacher…love them, specially the notes and knowing the names. So many youth feel forgotten, invisible or like they don’t measure up. Those two things alone will help them know this isn’t true.

  45. I absolutely LOVE the stickies idea! I am not a seminary teacher, but I do work with the Young Women in my ward. I would love to be able to be the lucky winner of this giveaway! Thank you for all of your good advice!

  46. I love the post-it note idea. I think you could also use it in your home with your kids. I to love how you have them write their stories. This helps them realize how important they are. Thanks for the ideas.

  47. I like the post-it notes…not only would that work great for students but I bet that would work great for a family in your family scripture study or family home evening. Thank for all the great advice.

  50. Wonderful to have ideas to be used at school or home religious instruction. Post-it notes go a long way with students, kids at home, even spouses. Thanks for the reminder to compliment and see the good things.

  51. These are great ideas! My favorite seminary teachers and classes have been when they have been genuinely interested in there students. By knowing our names and wanting to here our stories, etc. My favorite method was the post it note messages! It is a nice and thoughtful way to show students that you care about them individually! I know it also means the world to them if a teacher cares enough to write a note to them personally!

  52. I have used the teach a lesson on the first day idea. It works!! Nothing like starting with the spirit. This way the kids know this is what seminary is about, they don’t feel so overwhelmed about all the attendance, books, journals, etc. It also gives me a chance to get a feel for the participants and it truly breaks the first day “ice”.

  53. Loved all those ideas. The name with the picture is great and anyone loves that you can remember their name. Also the post it notes that is very endearing. These are great things to use in everyday life not just as a teacher.

  54. Thank you for the tips. It is comforting to know that even an experienced seminary teacher has “first day jitters”. I appreciate the complimentary note idea – I’m going to do this with my students!

  55. Thanks for the tips! Everyone can use a compliment now and then. The world bombards them with so much negative, I’m sure they love to hear something positive, especially about them. Your students are lucky to have you.

  56. I just liked Hank’s facebook page and my daughter called me up almost immediately to tell me how much she loves him. She was an EFY counselor a couple of summers ago and worked with him. She is always amazed that he remembers her when he sees her on BYU campus and always says “hi.” I hope my Seminary kids like me even a fraction as much.

  58. I love the short powerful lesson idea with a quote from the Savior on the first day. Loved all of the rest of the ideas, as well!! Thank you so much!!

  62. I especially loved the my story idea and the post it note advice. They make-up of my class has changed and the needs are different then they were the last two years. I still feel like I am new to seminary teaching and I REALLY want them to recognize and feel the spirit daily (if possible). Thanks for all the support and ideas.

  64. I loved his ideas! I teach in Young Womens, I am a substitute teacher, and I am currently getting my degree to be a teacher, but most importantly I am teaching my own children every day. I think that the students do need to feel like they are cared about and there is no better way than to make an effort to know them. I will use all of these ideas in my various teaching roles!

  66. Love love the idea of having students take each other’s photos…may use a wipe board or old school chalk board. I also liked the post it note compliment…great ideas!

  68. I think the way he handles the kids is great. When I was that age I remember always wanting to feel loved and excepted, and he is making sure these kids feel that way. It is good for them to know that a place that can make them feel good is in a place of God. Awesome teaching!!

    Thank you for the chance!

  69. I actually love and will use every one of the ideas, I don’t think I could pick just one to comment on! Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge gained from 12 years of teaching. I am starting year number two and hope to some day have some tidbit to share with a rookie 😉

  70. I joined the church at 18 and have never even attended a seminary class! But.I did attend Institute! 🙂 So it’s interesting to hear about Seminary. Anyway, maybe it seems obvious but I loved the thoughts about knowing their names. I really liked picturing Zaccheus as he realized the Savior knew his name!

  72. Thanks so much for the fun ideas. It is great to have news ideas to begin the idea with. I loved the singing lesson idea! Sue

  76. Loved the post-it note idea. I’m going to use it this year. I only have 4 students, so I don’t want to over-do, but I know just what I am going to write to one student tomorrow. Thanks for a great idea!

  80. I have been teaching Early Morning Seminary for 10 years and we start again in a few weeks. I love the idea about the post-it note compliments (I will do it this year). Sure love the youth!

  81. I’ve used post it notes for years in my students notebooks and scriptures. I had college student just last week send me a picture of a note I gave her. She said she sees it every morning. It was super simple. “You are stronger than you know. Beautiful inside and out. I know you’ll do great things as you go out into the world”. If something that simple can mean that much everyone should do it. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, leaders…. When youth know they are loved they will listen with even more intent.

  82. Loved the idea of post-it notes. Can’t wait to (secretly) be looking for their reaction when they find one in their journal. “My story” will be such a useful tool for me. Thanks so much for all the great ideas!!

  83. Those ideas are easy to implantation and help teacher and student relax so that can enjoy one another. I love the post-it notes idea like so many other readers along with a chance to tell their story. It would be fun to see how these may change each year as they come back to your class. I would add to your hymn idea that for us it works well to have the hymns on CD to sing with the class. Once in a while I get a pianist but most of the time the CD singers back us up.

  86. Great ideas! Makes me feel slightly less nervous about starting seminary in a couple weeks. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing. I especially loved the idea of taking pictures to learn names quickly. One of my professors at BYU did that by our second class and I remember him calling me by name and being shocked, impressed, and instantly liking him. 🙂

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