I have a firm belief that one of the greatest gifts that an LDS GrandParent can nurture in a grandchild, is a deep and abiding love for the Scriptures. I also believe that example, and personal application of the eternal principles that are taught in the scriptures, are how this love for the Word of God, is best taught.
As our grandchildren begin to develop their reasoning skills, and are learning how to exercise their personal agency, this creates the perfect opportunity to begin a little one-on-one time with them, and the scriptures. I look forward to my upcoming visit with my oldest grandson, who is almost seven-years-old. Ethan is at the perfect age, to begin this very special relationship with his grandparent, and the scriptures. (of course, you can begin this at any age) I am so delighted that his parents have family scripture time with their children, each evening before bedtime. This is such a wonderful part of being an eternal family!
The benefits of developing the habit of reading the scriptures as a child, cannot be overstated. The LDS GrandParent can have a powerful influence on their grandchildren, in helping to develop not only the habit of daily scripture time or reading, but the desire to actually STUDY the scriptures, themselves!
In helping our grandchildren to learn how to study the scriptures, it is our goal as an LDS GrandParent , to help them develop Faith in Jesus Christ!
This is best accomplished, when we teach our grandchildren WHAT to LOOK for, as they are reading and studying the scriptures. There is a difference between reading time with the scriptures, versus study or learning from the scriptures.
It is the ability or skill to be taught by the Spirit, through the scriptures – that we want to nurture in our grandchildren.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Make sure that your grandchild has a copy of their very own set of scriptures.
- Begin your scripture study together in a quiet place, and with a prayer; inviting the Spirit to be the Teacher.
- Before you begin reading, tell your grandchild WHAT to LOOK for… Follow-up by ASKING them WHAT they found?
- Discuss WHAT they have discovered!
- LOOK for the IF and THEN principles taught in the scriptures.
- ASK them WHAT they THINK about…
- ASK them WHAT they can LEARN and HOW they could APPLY what they have discovered?
This is a very simple teaching pattern for discovering the principles of the gospel, and allowing the Spirit to do the teaching. Remember, you are a mentor to your grandchild. This teaching pattern for studying the scriptures, is often very effective with the use of only a few verses of scripture at a time.
1 Nephi 3:7 is an excellent example of how to teach a great eternal principle, with only one verse…
“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”
Teaching them how to LOOK into the scriptures for these eternal truths, and the promises that ALWAYS accompany obedience to these truths – are how you can help your grandchildren, to develop Faith in Jesus Christ!
In future posts, we will discuss in more detail, how to apply this very effective “teaching pattern”, with even greater power.
tDMg
LdsNana
Photo Credit: Yet To Be Photography
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Katherine 02.21.09 at 11:03 pm
I love the way you describe the importance of teaching to your Grandchildren I think its a wonderful trait to have. I’m a mother of 4 and try hard to teach the ways of the church and what the scriptures have to say, and use examples of life on how to live and not to live. I’m also fortunate to be a teacher in the primary program, I teach the 8-10 year olds, although I test them on a regular basis to make sure what Im teaching is sinking in I am having an issue with how they use the scriptures. Or more to the point they dont know how to use them. I spend alot of my class having to explain where the D&C is or if its in the BOM or the Bible. Is there a lesson available that I can teach, on how to use the scriptures?
LdsNana 02.22.09 at 3:08 pm
Hi Katherine -
It sounds to me like you are doing a great job. Remember, your students are still quite young. I think the most important thing you can teach them about the scriptures, is HOW to search them.
They will have more instruction about the concerns that you have, on more of the technical parts of the scriptures, when they begin Seminary. When children are young, it is important to nurture a love for the scriptures, and what they can learn from reading.
As they read, and discover an important principle in the scriptures, they will begin to exercise Faith in Jesus Christ. This is our goal.
For example: In the scripture verse 1 Nephi 3:7, before you begin to read that exact verse, you could tell your children what to LOOK for…
LOOK for what Nephi learned the Lord would DO, IF he did what the Lord commanded him?
By asking very specific questions of your students, where the answer is very clear within the scriptures – they will be successful in their discovery. Depending on their age, you can then further discuss what they found and how this can apply to them.
I am not a great advocate of games, etc… to teach children HOW to search the scriptures. If you will focus on this simple “teaching pattern” for discovery, children will thrill with what they find and it’s meaning to them personally.
Of course, we are focusing on teaching personal scripture study, versus scripture time; where games could be more appropriate. I imagine “The Friend” would be filled with many different ideas that you could apply to your class.
tDMG
LdsNana
Jodi 03.15.09 at 12:39 pm
Scriptures are definitely something MY family can improve on. It was never a big focus in my home growing up so it’s hard to transition to doing it with my own family now. But I know we need to!
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