Seminary-Notes

The Woodland Institute

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:56:00 +0000

The Woodland Institute

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Here is a new gospel resource that I think you will find interesting and helpful:

The Woodland Institute
Director: Richard Neitzel Holzapfel

http://www.woodlandinstitute.com/

It is very much a work-in-progress, but it already contains interesting information about all of the Standard Works.

I think that you will particularly enjoy the sections pertaining to the New Testament. For example, from the Main Menu, select the "Jesus Christ and His Gospel" item, and then the "Images of Salvation" menu item. You can read detailed explanations and information about several great New Testament works of art.

The "Joseph Smith and the Scriptures" menu option includes the text of the complete Joseph Smith Translation, and sections are being added to include comments made by Joseph Smith about various passages in the Bible.

In addition to resource information about each of the Standard Works, there is a growing selection of church history information, as well. There is even an "On This Day in Church History" database -- that you can search by date or by keyword. (I learned, for example, that Elder Dallin H. Oaks and I were born on the same day and month.)

Oh...
And did I mention that it a tri-lingual website? In addition to English, materials are also available in Spanish and Portuguese.

I have no doubt that this website will continue to grow in usefulness in the future.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Preparing Glue-Ins

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:55:00 +0000

Preparing Glue-Ins

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Finding and using just the right quotations from church leaders can emphasize and clarify gospel principles and help students to see practical applications, as well.

Glue-ins -- quotations from prophets and general authorities -- can be a wonderful take-aways from Seminary lessons. I like to share quotations, in the form of glue-ins, with students during class.

I find that glue-ins are the most useful to students when they have been linked to a specific scripture and then are glued into their scriptures near the linked verses.

Summer is a great time to prepare many of the glue-ins that you plan to distribute throughout the Seminary year. You can photocopy, cut, store the glue-ins. (Make two extra copies of each glue-in so you can easily handle any new students). Then annotate your lesson manual (for example, "Glue-In for James 2:17-18") so that you will remember to share your glue-ins during the appropriate lessons.

Additional information about glue-ins can be found in the online [Seminary-Notes] Newsletter Archive:

17 August 2003

30 December 2001

To possibly save your some lesson preparation time...

Please note that hundreds of New Testament glue-ins (each linked to a New Testament scripture) are available in the New Testament Seminary Scripture Mastery Resource Volume 1 and Volume 2 packets. The Table of Contents in both volumes list the specific lessons when the glue-ins in that volume can be given to students. (The lesson handouts from both volumes have been formatted so that you can easily turn them into glue-ins, if desired.)

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

I Know the Gospel...

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:01:00 +0000

I Know the Gospel...

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In a 14 July 1981 devotional at Brigham Young University, Robert J. Matthews (who was serving as the dean of Religious Instruction), shared a comment written in 1969 by Elder Hugh B. Brown, one of the Twelve Apostles:

I am impressed with the testimony of a man who can stand and say he knows the gospel is true. What I would like to ask is, "But, sir, do you know the gospel?" I say it is one thing to know the gospel is true, and it is another thing to know what the gospel is.

Mere testimony can be gained with but perfunctory knowledge of the Church and its teachings, as evidenced by the hundreds who are now coming into the Church with but bare acquaintanceship. But to retain a testimony, to be of service in building the Lord's kingdom, requires a serious study of the gospel and knowing what it is.

Our responsibility this coming year is to help our students better learn and live the gospel -- not just to know that the gospel is true.
Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Birthday Card Ideas (part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:03:00 +0000

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Last week I shared some summer birthday card ideas...

Here are two additional birthday card preparation ideas that you may wish to complete during the summer months:

Prepare Seminary birthday or half-birthday cards for students who start Seminary NEXT YEAR (in the U.S. -- 8th grade students).

Prepare cards for your bishopric, stake Seminary supervisor, Seminary high councilor, CES coordinator, and anyone else you wish to recognize and thank during the year.

Add each of their birthdays and half-birthdays to your master Seminary calendar.
Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Birthday Card Ideas (part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:04:00 +0000

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Summer is a great time to prepare for the coming Seminary year. Periodically over the summer I will share some ideas for ways you might prepare and "get a jump" on the coming year.

This week's suggestion involves birthdays.

After you find out who your students are for the coming year will be, ask your ward or branch clerk to print you a birthday roster from the ward membership records.

For students who have summer birthdays figure out their "half birthday" (six months after their birthday) and celebrate their birthday on that date.

Use summer time to print or create birthday cards for each of your students. Address the envelope and write a personal message in each card. I also recommend that you include a "little something" in each card -- perhaps a favorite General Authority quotation, a scripture mastery card, etc.

In the upper corner of each card, write (in light pencil) two dates -- the student's actual birthday or half-birthday and the "presentation date" (the closest Seminary day before their birthday when you will actually give them their card).

Then write the presentation dates on your Seminary master calendar.

But... what if your students change during the Seminary year? No problem! It's easier making a few cards instead of all of them!

To possibly save you some preparation time...

Please note that the following teaching resources are available in the New Testament Seminary Scripture Mastery Resource packets -- a birthday card master (Volume 2), scripture mastery first letter cards (Volume 2), hundreds of glue-in quotations from apostles and prophets (Volume 1 and Volume 2), numerous handouts and scripture-based activities (Volume 1 and Volume 2 packets).

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Apocrypha 101

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 18:05:00 +0000

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When you turn the page from Malachi in the Old Testament to Matthew in the New Testament, the little swooshing sound you hear is the rapid passing of more than 400 years of Jewish history.

Understanding the period between the Old and New Testaments is extremely important to understanding the New Testament.

Much of the Apocrypha was reportedly written during the missing 400-year period, and it is worth your while to become familiar with it. Each time I have taught the New Testament, I have received questions from students about the Apocrypha.

Doctrine and Covenants 91 notes that the Apocrypha "is mostly translated correctly" and includes the important counsel that "whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;"

Here are two useful things you can do to start learning about the Apocrypha:

Read the excellent entry in the Bible Dictionary. It also contains short summaries from each book in the Apocrypha.
If you have time to read one or two books from the Apocrypha, I recommend reading First Maccabees (for some of the "missing" Jewish history) or Ecclesiasticus (for some excellent advice that you can share with your students).

To possibly save you some time...

You may wish to note that there is a large glue-in entitled "Changes in the Land of Israel" in the New Testament Volume 1 Seminary Scripture Mastery Resource packet that lists changes in government, language, location of the Jews, religious authority, priesthood, religious unity, idolatry, and religious centers that took place in Israel between 587 B.C. and 30 A.D.

There is also a handout entitled "Section 91 -- The Apocrypha" in the Doctrine & Covenants Volume 2 Seminary Scripture Mastery Resource packet. It lists almost two dozen excellent quotations from the books of Ecclesiasticus and 1 Maccabees in the Apocrypha.
Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Brother Joseph and the New Testament

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:04:00 +0000

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One hundred and sixty-four years ago today (27 June 1844) the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, were martyred in Carthage, Illinois.

You may wish to take a few minutes today to reflect, ponder, and express gratitude for his life and mission.

As you look forward to teaching the New Testament Seminary year...

Consider, for example, how much more we know about the mission and life of the Savior because of the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. Starting with the first chapter in Matthew, flip through your New Testament -- keeping an eye on the JST footnotes at the bottom of most pages. Then turn to the JST excerpts that were too lengthy for inclusion in footnotes. Those additions and corrections will make your teaching job this coming year much, much easier.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Seminary Hall of Fame

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:05:00 +0000

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I personally think that serving as a volunteer Seminary teacher is one of the best kept secrets in the church!

Each year you have the opportunity to teach Seminary brings great blessings into the lives of your students -- and blessings into your life, as well.

As I have worked as a Volunteer Seminary & Institute teacher through the years, I have been amazed by teachers who have taught Seminary many years.

To help recognize and honor these great and dedicated teachers, I am pleased to announce the creation of the Volunteer Seminary Teacher Hall of Fame.

If you, or a volunteer Seminary teacher you know, have taught Seminary four or more years (total time, it does not have to be four consecutive years), please send me a message so that you can be "inducted" into the
Volunteer Seminary Teacher Hall of Fame.

Please send the following information:

Teacher's Name

Number of Years You Have Taught Seminary

City and State (or country) for each place you have taught Seminary

If desired, you may also include a short quotation sharing
your feelings and testimony about the Seminary program.

The Hall of Fame is available here.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Prayer of Faith

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:06:00 +0000

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One of the most valuable testimonies we can share with our students is regarding the power of prayer.

I recommend asking your students to read Elder Bednar's talk (entitled "Ask in Faith") in the April 2008 General Conference -- and then take some time in class to discuss it with them.

Here are a few selected quotations from his talk (all references are to the May 2008 issue of the Ensign):

Simply saying prayers is quite a different thing from engaging in meaningful prayer." (p. 94)

...all of us can improve the consistency and efficacy of our personal and family prayers." (p. 94)

True faith is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ and always leads to righteous action." (p. 95)

Asking in faith requires honesty, effort, commitment, and persistence." (p. 95)

I testify that prayer becomes meaningful as we ask in faith and act." (p. 96)

The object of our prayers should not be to present a wish list or a series of requests but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is eager to bestow, according to His will and timing. (p. 97)

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Joseph Smith Manual

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:07:00 +0000

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The new Relief Society and Priesthood manual, "Joseph Smith: Teachings of Presidents of the Church," is an absolutely outstanding book!

I recommend that you read (or re-read) the Introduction section (pages vii-xii) -- but do so with Seminary in mind.

The comments in the "Personal Study" section are applicable to your daily Seminary lesson preparation.

Most of the ideas in the "Teaching from This Book" section relate directly to teaching Seminary and are a straightforward refresher.

The section entitled "Conduct Edifying Discussions" provides some excellent suggestions for encouraging discussion in a gospel classroom. Many of them should work perfectly in your Seminary class!

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

New January Traditions

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:14:00 +0000

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If you have identified some changes that you would like to make with your Seminary class, then returning from the holiday break is a great time to introduce those new practices and "traditions" to your students.

If student punctuality has been slipping, now is a good time to gently re-emphasize its importance.

If you haven't been enjoying an activity day most weeks, you can start doing so now!

If scripture mastery needs more attention, dedicate a few minutes from each lesson beginning tomorrow.

January is also an excellent time to recommit students to learning the scripture mastery scriptures, reading the assigned chapters in the Old Testament, and remaining eligible to complete this Seminary year.

January is as close to a new beginning as you and your students will have this year! How you use it is up to you!

Best wishes

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Noting Footnotes

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:41:00 +0000

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Footnotes in the LDS edition of the Bible contain a wealth of information. Without making a conscious effort, though, it is easy to read a scripture block without ever checking the accompanying footnotes.

Verses from the Joseph Smith Translation (JST) can clarify difficult-to-understand scriptures and help increase student understanding -- but only when students recognize that there is a JST footnote.

An easy way to help students mark their scriptures (so that they will refer to Joseph Smith Translation verses and other important footnotes) is to invite students to circle the footnote letter in the King James Version verse. When the matching footnote is also underlined, it helps ensure that footnote will be noticed the next time that scripture block is read.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Cartouche Fun

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 00:37:00 +0000

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The 15 October 2003 [Seminary-Notes] Newsletter shared a fun and easy-to-use Egyptian-like cartouche creator program. You can download a free copy here.

Here are two additional fun ways to bring ancient Egypt into your classroom this year by using the cartouche software program...

1) Create a Cartouche Bookmark for each of your students (with their name in the cartouche).

The picture above shows the various formats that you can use. The photo below shows sample bookmarks (printed on cardstock, cut and covered with contact paper).

2) Create a Cartouche Activity.

Make a cartouche for each of your students and place them in a word processing file. (You can probably place about 10 cartouches on one page.) Print a copy of the cartouche page(s) for each student.

Invite students to "translate" the cartouches. You may wish to provide the answer for one name (to help get your students started "translating").

A sample classroom activity (for 16 students and one teacher) is found here. The last three cartouches spell out "Rolling Valley Ward."

This file was printed to create the bookmarks (discussed above).

Have fun!

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

"Yes, but I am clean"

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:01:00 +0000

I had an interesting experience last month...

I teach at the National Defense University in Washington, DC, and some White House staffers showed up in my doorway unannounced one day to check out my office. I recognized where they're from (their tie tacks gave them away) so I asked, "When's the President coming here to speak here?" After hesitating a moment, they answered, "Next week."

My office is close to the entrance into our auditorium so it was designated as President Bush's preparation room. Before his speech, my office was checked and prepared for the President's visit.

President Bush used my office that morning to review his talk one last time and to prepare for the policy speech he gave. It was fun to know that the President spent some time at my desk, saw the pictures of my sweetheart and family, and also the picture of the Salt Lake Temple that hangs on my office wall.

When I found out that the President was going to use my office, I was especially glad that I keep my office clean, and it reminded me of the story about Joseph F. Smith that President Hinckley shared in Priesthood Session during the April 2007 General Conference. The Prophet said:

Joseph F. Smith was the son of Hyrum Smith, who was the brother of the Prophet Joseph and was martyred with him in Carthage. Joseph F. was born at Far West, Missouri, on November 13, 1838. ... At the age of 15 he was called on a mission to Hawaii. He made his way to San Francisco and there worked in a shingle mill to earn enough money to buy passage to the islands.

Hawaii was not a tourist center then. It was populated by the native Hawaiians, who were, for the most part, poor but generous with what they had. He learned to speak their language and to love them. While serving there he experienced a remarkable dream. I quote from his narrative concerning this. Said he:

"I was very much oppressed [when I was] on a mission. I was almost naked and entirely friendless, except [for] the friendship of a poor, benighted ... people. I felt as if I was so debased in my condition of poverty, lack of intelligence and knowledge, just a boy, that I hardly dared look a ... man in the face.

"While in that condition I dreamed [one night] that I was on a journey, and I was impressed that I ought to hurry—hurry with all my might, for fear I might be too late. I rushed on my way as fast as I possibly could, and I was only conscious of having just a little bundle, a handkerchief with a small bundle wrapped in it. I did not realize ... what it was, when I was hurrying as fast as I could; but finally I came to a wonderful mansion. ... I thought I knew that was my destination. As I passed towards it, as fast as I could, I saw a notice [which read B-A-T-H], 'Bath.' I turned aside quickly and went into the bath and washed myself clean. I opened up this little bundle that I had, and there was [some] white, clean [clothing], a thing I had not seen for a long time, because the people I was with did not think very much of making things exceedingly clean. But my [clothing was] clean, and I put [it] on. Then I rushed to what appeared to be a great opening, or door. I knocked and the door opened, and the man who stood there was the Prophet Joseph Smith. He looked at me a little reprovingly, and the first words he said: 'Joseph, you are late.' Yet I took confidence and [replied]:

"'Yes, but I am clean—I am clean!'

"He clasped my hand and drew me in, then closed the great door. I felt his hand just as tangible as I ever felt the hand of man. I knew him, and when I entered I saw my father, and Brigham [Young] and Heber [C. Kimball], and Willard [Richards], and other good men that I had known, standing in a row. I looked as if it were across this valley, and it seemed to be filled with a vast multitude of people, but on the stage were all the people that I had known. My mother was there, and she sat with a child in her lap; and I could name over as many as I remember of their names, who sat there, who seemed to be among the chosen, among the exalted. ...

"[When I had this dream,] I was alone on a mat, away up in the mountains of Hawaii—no one was with me. But in this vision I pressed my hand up against the Prophet, and I saw a smile cross his countenance. ...

"When I awoke that morning I was a man, although only [still] a boy. There was not anything in the world that I feared [after that]. I could meet any man or woman or child and look them in the face, feeling in my soul that I was a man every whit. That vision, that manifestation and witness that I enjoyed at that time has made me what I am, if I am anything that is good, or clean, or upright before the Lord, if there is anything good in me. That has helped me out in every trial and through every difficulty" (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 542–43).

The core of that meaningful dream is found in the reproof given by Joseph Smith to young Joseph F. Said the Prophet, "Joseph, you are late."

Replied Joseph F., "Yes, but I am clean—I am clean!" ...

His declaration "I am clean" gave him self-assurance and courage in facing anyone or any situation. He received the strength that comes from a clear conscience fortified by the approbation of the Prophet Joseph."

(Source: President Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 2007, pp. 61-62.)

May we help our students to understand the importance of always being clean.

(If you’re curious… Here’s a link to the talk that President Bush gave after he used my office.)

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

World Clock

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 01:04:00 +0000

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When you discuss leprosy and cleansing procedures this year, one of your students may ask "Is leprosy still a health problem in the world?"

Here's a website that contains the answer:

www.peterrussell.com/Odds/WorldClock.php

And the answer is...
There are approximately 6,000 new cases of leprosy each year in the entire world. By way of comparison, there are over 15 million cardiovascular disease cases and over 7 million new cancer cases.

The World Clock website includes continually updating estimates that you might find useful. There are statistics in three general categories:

1) Population (world population, births, deaths, and population growth)

2) Death Causes (32 statistics in the following sub-categories: noncommunicable diseases, infectious diseases, other, and injuries)

3) World (military expenditures, Internet users, cars produced, forest cut, species extinction, abortions, etc.)

You can view statistics for the current year, current month, current week, today, or "beginning right now." All figures are approximations, of course, but they are based on United Nations, World Health Organization, and other international sources.

It is sobering, for example, to learn that estimates show that over one trillion dollars has already been spent worldwide this year on military expenditures.

(I have not explored the rest of the World Clock website -- so I cannot vouch for the validity or usefulness of any additional resources or articles found there.)

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Prophetic Warnings

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 12:15:00 +0000

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It was still dark as I drove to work yesterday morning on highway I-395 in northern Virginia. As I passed the Pentagon on my left, the traffic abruptly came to a halt. The freeway bends north there in order to cross the Potomac River into the District of Columbia. There was no apparent cause for the traffic jam that I found myself in.

After a few minutes of creeping along, I could see several flashing yellow lights and orange traffic cones in the distance that were causing drivers in the left lane, like I was, to move into the next lane.

When I reached the flashing lights, I could now see that recent rains and a clogged freeway drain had created a small lake in the left lane about 30 yards long and almost two feet deep.

Without the flashing lights and traffic cones, drivers like myself would have hit the black water while traveling at full speed and lost control of our vehicles. Fortunately, someone who knew that the hazard was there had taken the time to place the flashing lights at just the right time in just the right place.

It caused me to think that President Hinckley is currently serving the same function as those flashing lights, and our local church leaders provide additional assistance like the smaller, but well-placed, traffic cones.

The Lord knows there are hazards in life that we cannot see so he positions His living prophet and local leaders to warn us of their presence. If we are wise, we will listen and obey.

The Old Testament teaches this lesson from the beginning of Genesis through the closing pages of Malachi, and we have the wonderful opportunity to share those lessons with our students.

"Today I join you in sustaining President Gordon B. Hinckley as prophet, seer, and revelator, and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The prophets of old taught well the importance of listening to the voice of prophets." (Elder Robert D. Hales, Ensign, May 1995.)

"How deeply grateful I am for the inspired leadership of our dear President Gordon B. Hinckley, the prophet of God in our time, and his noble counselors." (Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Ensign, May 2006.)

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

More Birthday Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:01:00 +0000

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Last week's newsletter shared some ideas regarding celebrating birthdays and half-birthdays.

Several teachers from around the world wrote to share their favorite birthday recognition ideas. Here are a few of them:

Sister Rockwood shared the address of a very interesting website
that contains the definitions and meanings for hundreds (if not thousands) of boys and girls names. You can search all names or names by a specific category (such as, African-American names, Biblical names, Anglo-Saxon names, Gaelic names, etc.).

For example, if you have a student named "Suzanne" you could include this information (from the website) in her birthday card:

SUZANNE. (French and Hebrew.) Suzanne means "Lily." It is a variant of the Hebrew word Susannah. In the apocryphal Book of Tobit Susannah courageously defended herself against wrongful accusation. White lilies grew in the Biblical city of Susa in Persia.

Before including "name derivation" information in birthday cards, I recommend that you check the names of all of your students to ensure that you can provide information for everyone and to be certain that no one might be embarrassed by the meaning of their name.
The Keaau Seminary class in Hawaii paints a smooth rock white all over. On one side they write Happy Birthday (Name) of the person being celebrated, and on the other side they write "Seminary Rocks!" Then they let everyone else in the class sign their name on the rock using permanent marker pens. The rock is presented in class. It's fun and economical.
One teacher mentioned that she places a single birthday candle in the middle of a chocolate candy bar and invites the class to sing happy birthday. (If you do this inside of a church building, though, you will need to wait until you're outside in order to light the candle.)
Another teacher coordinates with the music director in her ward so that the birthday student gets to select one of the hymns sung during the sacrament meeting nearest to their birthday.

There are an unlimited number of inexpensive and easy ways to recognize your student's birthdays. The best one is the one that works best for you and your students!

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Birthday Recognition

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 19:00:00 +0000

[Seminary-Notes]
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A fun way to personalize Seminary is to recognize students on their birthdays.

Also... make sure you don't forget your students who have summer birthdays. This is easily done by celebrating Half Birthdays (for example, if a student is born on August 12th, you can celebrate their Half Birthday on February 12th).

By celebrating both Half Birthdays and Birthdays, you can start anytime during the school year because everyone can receive recognition.

Birthday recognition does not have to be fancy or expensive. Most of the birthday fun at Seminary lies in the recognition itself. A simple birthday card (with a short message from you and your Seminary class officers), singing Happy Birthday with your class, and letting the student pick the devotional song are easy actions for you -- but fun for your students.

Here is a website you can use, if you would like to personalize your student birthday cards with some unusual birthday and birth month information:

http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/index.htm

For example, did you know that October is National Pizza Month, Eat Country Ham Month, International Drum Month, and National Popcorn Popping Month? And October 12th, for example, is "Moment of Frustration Day?"

To possibly save you some preparation time...

Please note that there is a ready-made birthday card master in the Old Testament Volume 2 Seminary Scripture Mastery Resource packet that you can photocopy (perhaps on colored paper), fold, personalize and give to your students. The front of the card contains birthday wishes and Old Testament banner representations for the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Judah. The inside contains a scripture mastery scripture and room for birthday wishes.

Have fun!

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Online Encyclopedia of Mormonism

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 14:41:00 +0000

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The complete version of The Encyclopedia of Mormonism is now available online.

This is an outstanding resource that addresses hundreds of gospel-related topics -- many of them pertaining to the Old Testament.

This new online version is easy to use. While topic articles can sometimes be a little bit slow to load, they're definitely worth the wait.

Individually searched topics are displayed as Adobe PDF files that can also be saved, read, and printed later.

While there are actually several ways to search and find topics, my experiences leads me to recommend:

Using the "Search The Encyclopedia of Mormonism" search box on the homepage, entering "Obedience" for example, and then clicking the Search button.
You will then be presented with the search results. (In this case, just one article image will be shown.)
You can click on either the image or the title.
Your article will then be loaded (for reading, saving, or printing).

If you wish to do additional searches, I recommend returning to the home page and following the same sequence of steps (listed above).

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Preparing for General Conference

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:40:00 +0000

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If you asked your students to make a list of Fun Things To Do, "listening to General Conference" would probably not appear on their list.

There are several things you can do, though, to help your students better appreciate and learn from General Conference.

In a recent sacrament talk, one of the Seminary teachers in our ward shared a simple idea that she uses to help her students prepare for General Conference.

She called it "PST" (pronounced "pssst" -- said like you're going to tell someone a secret or get their attention).

The "P" stands for PRAYER.

Students can pray for themselves (that they will see how to apply the Conference talks to their lives) as well as for those who will speak during Conference.

The "S" stands for SCRIPTURES.

Daily scripture reading is an excellent way to prepare for General Conference.

The "T" stands for TITHING.

Paying tithing will enable students to qualify for the Lord's promise that He will open "the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10). Part of those promised blessings could involve understanding the truthfulness and importance of principles taught during General Conference. Encourage your students to always be full-tithe payers.

In a recent Priesthood Meeting, a member of our high priests group mentioned that his father (who is a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy) listens during each General Conference to learn "the Prophet's Priorities" -- and then he works to make them his priorities during the following six months.

That's good advice, and you may wish to encourage your students to take special note of the topics that the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve apostles address during this upcoming General Conference.

It has been said that "A dull pencil is better than a sharp memory," therefore, you may wish to also encourage your students to take notes during the General Conference sessions that they listen to.

Ask students to bring their General Conference notes to class, and then make sure that you provide time for them to share some of the things that they found helpful or important during General Conference.

General Conference can be a great experience for teenagers, too -- once they learn how and give it a chance!

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Using the Bible Dictionary

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:39:00 +0000

[Seminary-Notes]
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Your students will be able to love the scriptures easier if they learn how to use their scriptures.

The Bible Dictionary is a wonderful tool that contains a tremendous amount of interesting and insightful information. It's one of the easiest Bible aids to use and provides immediate feedback for students.

Here are a few ideas to help your students learn to use the Bible Dictionary:

Look up the meaning of names when new people are introduced throughout the year

Learn more about Old Testament weights and measures

Find where scriptures you are studying are quoted
in the New Testament

Learn about ancient kingdoms and kings

Follow the Old Testament chronology

Read summaries for each Old Testament book
etc.

You may also wish to take an activity day to let students see what interesting things they can find in the Bible Dictionary and share with their classmates.

I recommend that you look for ways each week to incorporate the Bible Dictionary into your lessons (even if it is only for a minute or so while they look up a quick entry).

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Handling Incorrect Answers

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 18:19:00 +0000

You're in the middle of a great discussion with your class,
and you ask a question about a gospel principle or practice...

A student enthusiastically raises their hand and shares their
answer. Unfortunately, it isn't just slightly incorrect,
it is seriously incorrect.

What would you say? How would you react?

The key is to lovingly teach students correct principles
and doctrine -- while letting them know that you value them
and their contributions to the class.

An article in the April 2006 issue of "The Teaching Professor"
("Tell Students When They're Wrong," page 2) shared some
additional thoughts on this topic. Here are some of the
suggestions from that article:

"Instructors need to be thoughtful and reflective about
those strategies they use when they respond to student's
answers, and this is especially true when the answer given
is wrong. Most of us understand that the stakes are high
in this case. Students are easily intimidated. Even those
not participating can be negatively affected by how an
instructor handles incorrect answers."

The article then shares some quotations from Robert Ehrlich
and Stanley zoltek ("Journal of College Science Teaching,
35(4), pp. 8-10):

"First, telling students they are wrong must be done in a
noninsulting and nonpersonal manner."

"Second, it is not enough to tell students that they are
wrong; they must also be told which aspects of their
answers are correct, and which aspects are incorrect."

"If you succeed in creating a class environment in which
everyone is treated with mutual respect, and being wrong
is okay, you should find that students are less fearful
of being wrong, and more apt to contribute to class
discussion. In this case, students will also be apt to
analyze your comments more carefully and may on occasion
have the pleasure of correcting you the next time you
are wrong."

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Fear and Trembling?

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:31:00 +0000

[Seminary-Notes]
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I think that many teachers approach the Old Testament year with more concern than any other.

I have just two words of advice if you're feeling that way:

Don't worry!

The Old Testament is a wonderful book of scripture -- bursting with principles, doctrine, and great stories.

You have a testimony, the Gift of the Holy Ghost, outstanding students, and a tremendous support system. You'll do great!

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

And Their Names Were Taken

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 16:31:00 +0000

[Seminary-Notes]
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The Old Testament book of Numbers is a record of the census, of ancient Israel. Before anyone can be counted, though, they must first be found.

Moroni 6:4 states:

"And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith."

Before these people were able to be "nourished by the good word of Christ" (which we hope will happen each morning in Seminary), they first had to have "their names... taken" so that they "might be remembered" and "keep them in the right way."

In the October 1996 General Conference, Elder William Rolfe Kerr added:

"The Savior taught us this principle in the parable of the lost sheep. As the shepherd left the ninety and nine and searched until the lost sheep was found, so also are we to go after him who is lost and continue the search until he is found. (See Matt. 18:12-14.) And once found, our work is not done until we bring him safely home, rejoicing. This is the objective of the gospel of Jesus Christ and must be the objective of all the programs and activities of the Church—-to bring the children of our Father in Heaven home, and home to stay."
-- Ensign, November 1996, p. 80

Summer is a great time to work with your bishopric and ward membership clerk to ensure that everyone who should be enrolled in Seminary has been identified and invited.

Also, be on the lookout throughout the year when new families with teenage children move into your ward.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Student Visits

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 16:30:00 +0000

[Seminary-Notes]
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I think that one of the best things you can do during the weeks before the new Seminary year begins is to visit each of the students in your Seminary class in their home.

If you can meet with them and their parents, it gives you an opportunity to explain the entire Seminary program, to answer their questions, and (especially for new students) to put their minds at ease regarding what you will be doing in Seminary this year.

It also give you an opportunity to help students and parents understand your expectations for Seminary -- attendance, punctuality, scripture mastery, grading, bad weather days, etc.

This topic was more fully addressed in a previous [Seminary-Notes] newsletter. If you have a few moments, I recommend that you read the original newsletter. Here's a link.

It contains ideas, a possible agenda, and suggestions for your student-parent-teacher meetings.

If you don't have enough time to meet with all of your students before the new Seminary year begins, I recommend that you prioritize your students and meet with those who will gain the greatest benefits from such a meeting. Make sure you visit, though, all of your new students. (This is especially helpful if they are the first child in their family to attend Seminary.)

It's a good idea to set these appointments up as far in advance as possible, and then give a reminder prior to the date and time of the actual meeting.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com