How to Prepare to Teach Principles

1. What did I learn? Choose a portion of a book, a picture or painting, art and ask yourself, “Why did the author (painter/creator) write (create) that particular thing? Why was it important to him/her? What did the spirit teach you? Why was it important?”
2. What are the converting principles? Be on high alert for portions that contain converting principles, those that lead our children to Christ or to understand the Atonement. Our goal is to encourage them to find the principle and apply it in their own lives. “A converting principle is one that leads to obedience to the will of God.” (handbook 2 page 54 by President Eyring) If the principle will help you or your child experience conversion, that’s the one to consider. Highlight or write out the principles you discovered and those you want to them to discover.
3. What do I need to teach my children? With the spirit’s help discern what your children need to learn. There may be things that are more relevant than others. Remember Heavenly Father know your children individually and he will guide you to what they need to learn and what the Lord wants you to teach. Write out your impressions of what principle to teach, perhaps a different principle per child.

While teaching your prepared lesson remember that the spirit is the teacher. You want them to discover the principles on their own. You don’t need to tell or point the principle out for them. Allow the spirit to direct them and lead them to discover it. This may be different principles than the ones you pointed out, allow it, go with their flow of thought. Once a child discovers the principle he will naturally relate it to something he already knows. Often, when it is a new idea, it becomes a transformational and gives him greater confidence in his abilities and in the Lord.
Happy Teaching,