Use the Study Aids
   The Church has prepared an extensive set of scripture study aids and included them in the English standard works of scripture.  These study aids include such things as footnotes, chapter headings, topical indexes, a bible dictionary, and maps.  They are some of the most valuable helps teachers and students can use as they study the scriptures.  In addition to using the study aids in lesson preparation, teachers should help their students - especially those who are less experienced in reading the scriptures - become familiar with the various study aids.

Use "Look for" Skills
   An important skill of scripture study is analysis - to look for relationships and meaning.  Such "look for" skills are important during scripture study.  Teachers can develop the habit of searching while they read and can help their students do the same.  One of the more effective scripture teaching skills is to send students into a block of scripture looking for specific things. It is part of the spirit of inquiry that the Lord has counseled his children to have.
   Things to look for and to help students look for might include items like the following:

• Gospel Principles illustrated by the lives of people.
• Questions asked in the scriptures.
• Scriptural lists, such as the qualities of an "elect lady" (see D&C 25) or the qualities of charity (see 1 Corinthians 13).
• Definitions of words or concepts, such as Zion (see D&C 97:21)
• Difficult words or phrases students might have trouble understanding.
• Imagery and symbols
• Prophetic commentary on a principle or event.
• Qualities or characteristics that please or displease God.
• Patterns - series of events, characteristics, or behaviors that teach a gospel principle.

Mark the Scriptures
   Scripture marking helps both teachers and students note important words, phrases, ideas, people, and events and makes them easier to remember and find.  Teachers can encourage student scripture marking by saying something like, "This is an important principle.  You may want to mark that verse"

Take a Broader Perspective
   In addition to analysis, an equally important study skill is synthesis, or taking the parts and seeing their broader meaning or relationships to each other.  Synthesis can show patterns and principles that the scriptures are meant to teach.  Some ways to take this broader perspective during scripture study or to help students do the same during scripture teaching include scripture chaining; noting patterns or the repetition of certain words, phrases, events, or behaviors that provide clues to what the prophetic writer felt was important; and scriptural contrasts (placing ideas or events side by side so principles become more evident through the contrast).

Read the Scriptures Together in Class
   Reading the scriptures in class can help students become familiar with and better understand the verses they are studying. It can also help them become more confident in their ability to read the scriptures on their own.  Teachers need to be careful not to embarrass those who do not read well or who are very shy.  Students who prefer to not read aloud should not be forced or embarrassed, but teachers can encourage them by telling them that they do not have to be a perfect reader to participate and that there is great value to them when they do so.
   There are several ways to read the scriptures together in class:

• Have students read aloud, either one by one or in unison.
• Assign students to read the words spoken by each person in a story.
• Have students read silently, then visit individuals and help them as needed.
• Read aloud to the students as they follow in their scriptures.
• Have students read to each other.

Summarize The Scriptures
   As discussed earlier, teachers will not have time to teach everything in a scripture block with equal emphasis.  Summarizing means to tell in a few words, or briefly teach, what is contained in chapters or verses that are not emphasized in class.  Using chapter or section headings can be very helpful in summarizing scripture sections.

"Liken" The Scriptures
   Nephi said that when he taught the teachings of Isaiah he "did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning" (see 1 Nephi 19:23).  To liken the scriptures means to understand how the principles and doctrines apply to one's own life and to use them to become more like the Savior.  Ultimately, likening the scriptures happens when the Spirit helps the student see the importance of a principle and how it could be a blessing to him or her personally.  Some ways to encourage students to do this for themselves are to: