Cool Comfort
   There are many things in the classroom that can distract students from gospel learning.  If students are physically uncomfortable, they will be more concerned about their comfort than about studying the scriptures.  Make sure the temperature is not too high or too low, and that there is adequate air flow in the room.  Some classrooms have large windows that provide an open view to the outside world.  If students are spending too much time peering out the windows, it might be a good idea to close the blinds.

Organizing Order
   The students first impression when they enter the classroom can determine their attitude about gospel study.  A disorganized or unclean room can promote a feeling of rowdiness.  Take a few minutes to straighten the chairs and bookshelves and to discard paper or food that may have fallen on the floor.  To enhance a learning environment, display  gospel-related pictures, illustrations, and posters.

Face Forward.
   The chairs in the classroom should be arranged so students are facing the front.  This will help students focus on the teacher or other students who are directing the learning activities.  When students are looking forward, the teacher has eye contact with each individual.  Seating arrangements can be changed to accommodate interaction when students work in groups.  When the group work is completed, students should return their seats so they are facing front.  Students can also work in groups without moving their seats.  For example, you can have students turn and work with the individuals sitting next to them.  Pairs can be expanded to four students by having two pairs of students work together.

Chart the Chairs
   Put students in a seating chart and change it as needed.  Seating charts not only separate students who continually talk, they also help students meet other students and make it easier to mark attendance.

Fill It Up 
   When students are absent, have class members fill in the empty seats, leaving empty the desks in the back of the classroom.  Also assure that as much as possible each row has an equal number of students.  This will give the feeling that the class is full, facilitate paired activities, and discourage back row disturbances.

A Handout, Handed Out
   When appropriate, have handouts on the desk before students enter class.  Passing out material during the lesson can cause a loss of momentum and order.  However, if students early exposure to the handout will diminish their discovery or motivation, then pass out the materials quickly, at the appropriate time during the lesson.

Seminary Desks
   Establish on the first day of class that seminary desk tops are for scriptures and seminary materials.  School books, radios, purses, and other items belong on the floor or outside the classroom.  This practice can remind students that the seminary classroom is not a library, but a special place to study the scriptures.

Business Beforehand
   Transitions from one activity to another are a necessary part of teaching.  If they are too long or occur at the wrong times, they can distract students from gospel learning.  For example, when business items like announcements, birthday singing, and reading checks are done after the devotional, they can distract from the lesson.

An Open Book
   Opening scriptures takes a few minutes and can be distracting if it is done during the lesson.  Have students open their scriptures to the scripture block before the devotional.  When the devotional is completed, students simply look down at the appropriate verses when they are introduced at the beginning of the lesson.  To assure that all students have their scriptures opened, some teachers walk up and down the rows while students are singing the hymn.
   To eliminate the transition of opening and closing hymn books, some teachers use overhead transparencies of the hymns.  Another way to make a smooth transition from the devotional to the lesson is to assign the prayer as the last part of the devotional.  After the devotional, students are quiet and ready to learn.  This is an ideal time to begin the lesson.

In the End
   The last few minutes can be the most meaningful part of the class period.  During this time students and the teacher share their understanding of doctrines, events, and applications of gospel principles.  Hopefully students will leave the classroom with a desire to apply the principles.  The experience at the end of the class is less effective if students are putting away their materials and putting on their coats and backpacks.  Tell students that you will let them out on time.  Ask them not to put away materials and put on their coats and back packs until after the closing prayer.  This means that you will have to make sure the closing prayer happens before the bell rings.