Ideas to Improve Learning at Home and at Church

As you study the Savior’s gospel at home and at church, consider the following questions:

• How can you invite the Spirit into your study?

• How can you focus on the Savior in your study?

• How can you take advantage of everyday learning moments?

• How can you encourage family and class members to study the scriptures on their own and share what they are learning?

Here are some simple ways to enhance your study of the word of God.

Pray for inspiration

The scriptures are the word of God, so ask Him for help to understand them.

Look for truths about Jesus Christ

All things testify of Christ (see 2 Nephi 11:4; Moses 6:63), so consider noting or marking verses that testify of the Savior, deepen your love for Him, and teach how to follow Him. Sometimes truths about the Savior and His gospel are stated directly, and sometimes they are implied through an example or story. Ask yourself, “What eternal truths are taught in these verses? What do these truths teach me about the Savior?”

Listen to the Spirit

Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, even if they are unrelated to what you are reading. These impressions may be what your Heavenly Father wants you to learn.

Record your impressions

There are many ways to record the impressions that come as you study. For example, you may find that certain words and phrases in the scriptures impress you; you could mark them and record your thoughts as a note in your scriptures. You could also keep a journal of the insights, feelings, and impressions you receive.

Share what you’re learning with others

Discussing insights from your personal study is a good way to teach others, and it also helps strengthen your understanding of what you have read. Share what you’re learning with family members and friends (in person or digitally), and invite them to do the same.

Relate the scriptures to your life

Consider how the stories and teachings you are reading apply to your life. For example, you could ask yourself, “What experiences have I had that are similar to what I am reading?”

Ask questions as you study

As you study the scriptures, questions may come to mind. These questions might relate to what you are reading or to your life in general. Ponder these questions and look for answers as you continue studying the scriptures.

Use scripture study helps

To gain additional insights into the verses you read, use the footnotes, the Topical Guide, the Bible Dictionary, the Guide to the Scriptures, and other study helps.

Consider the context of the scriptures

You can find meaningful insights about a scripture passage as you consider its context, including the circumstances or setting it came from. For example, knowing the background and beliefs of the people God spoke to can help you better understand the intent of His words. You can learn about them in Saints, Revelations in Context, the section headings in the Doctrine and Covenants, and other resources.

Study the words of latter-day prophets and apostles

Read what latter-day prophets and apostles have taught about the principles you find in the scriptures.

Live by what you learn

Scripture study should not only inspire us but also lead us to change the way we live. Listen to what the Spirit prompts you to do as you read, and then act on these promptings.

Use music

Suggested hymns and children’s songs are found throughout Come, Follow Me. Use sacred music to invite the Spirit and to deepen your faith and testimony of gospel truths.

Memorize scriptures

Select a scripture passage that is meaningful to you, your family, or your class, and memorize it by repeating it daily or by playing a memorization game.

Share object lessons

Find objects that relate to the chapters and verses that you are reading. Consider how each object relates to the teachings in the scriptures.

Draw, find, or take a picture

Read a few verses, and then draw something that relates to what you read. Or you could look for a picture in the Gospel Art Book or elsewhere in the Gospel Library. You could also take a picture that illustrates what you learned.

Dramatize a story

After reading a story, invite family or class members to act it out. Afterward, talk about how the story relates to the things that you are experiencing.

Be flexible at home

If you have family members who aren’t willing to participate in family scripture study, look for other ways to connect with them. For example, could you share eternal truth naturally in your conversations or share a meaningful scripture in a way that doesn’t seem preachy or overbearing? Scripture study doesn’t have to look the same in every family. Some children may respond better to studying the scriptures one on one. Be prayerful and follow the promptings of the Spirit.

Teacher council meetings for parents. If you would like additional help in your efforts to teach your children, find out if your ward is holding teacher council meetings for parents (see General Handbook, 17.5). These meetings are an opportunity for parents to counsel and learn together about how to improve their teaching. They can discuss the principles in Teaching in the Savior’s Way, the ideas on these pages for improving family scripture study, and the learning and teaching suggestions found throughout Come, Follow Me.