I started substituting seminary about 2 months ago. For those who don’t know how seminary works in Utah, it’s a full-time teaching job. So, I am basically a substitute teacher for seminary classes.
It’s been quite busy. I usually teach 2-4 times a week. And although I’m no pro, I have learned a lot so far. I started sharing a little bit about what and how I teach the gospel to youth on my Instagram page and received a lot of requests to share it all. So, here is my first official “seminary help” blog post!
I also included the PowerPoint presentation I made to go along with this lesson. Feel free to use it!
The best part about this parable is that it can be used with any block of scripture – no matter what you are studying. The worst part about it is that you have to make a cake for every class you are teaching. When I taught, I only had 2 classes, so I baked 2 sheet cakes and brought all the toppings (explained later).
The purpose of this parable is to teach kids the importance of not just reading your scriptures, but studying, pondering, testifying, and applying them. My class loved it and learned a lot.
Materials needed: baked chocolate cake, 1 jar caramel ice cream topping, 1 large tub whipped topping, 1 cup candy bar toppings (broken candy bars, Heath bits, mini-M&M’s, etc.)
Reading the scriptures
Ask your students for correlations between eating cake and scripture study. (They will give you great analogies: both are sweet, both are filling, both make a visible difference when a lot is consumed, both have a lot of variety/ingredients, both take work, etc.)
Have students silently read a selected chapter or block of scripture. After the students have finished reading, I suggest that one similarity between cake and scripture study is sometimes they’re both a bit dry. There is a reason we frost cake and there is a reason we are encouraged to do more than read the scriptures.
Show the class a jar of caramel and take a vote on who wants to eat the cake plain or who wants to add a layer of caramel to the cake. (After dozens of lessons, I’ve yet to have a class vote to eat the cake plain). Explain that caramel on the cake is like studying the scriptures rather than simply reading them. Studying makes the scriptures more filling and sustaining.
Studying the scriptures
Have the students return to the chapter or block of scripture and study using the Topical Guide, Bible Dictionary, Guide to the Scriptures, maps, For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, General Conference talks, etc. While they are studying, poke holes in the cake with fork tines or a kabob stick and drizzle caramel over the cake and let it seep down into the holes.
After students have studied the scriptures for about ten minutes, allow them to share insights with the class. After the discussion, ask students if they want to eat the cake as it is (after all, they have studied the scriptures) or if they want to add another layer.
Show students a tub of whipped topping and ask for a vote. (Again, the vote has always gone for more toppings when I’ve taught this lesson.)
Pondering the scriptures
Explain that pondering and praying for understanding will add to reading and studying the scriptures.
Give students an opportunity to reflect and write in their journals what they have learned or questions that they may have from what they have read and studied. While students write in their journals, spread the whipped topping over the cake.
After students have written in their journals. Explain that they can eat the cake like it is – after all they have read, studied, and pondered the scriptures – or they can add another layer.
Teaching/Testifying/Sharing the scriptures
Show students the candy bar pieces and explain that teaching and testifying of what we have learned helps not only others, but it helps us to better retain the truth. It also gives the Holy Ghost an opportunity to confirm what we say and strengthens our understanding.
Invite students to share what they have learned with someone. I had them create a meme or a social media post with one truth that they learned. Encourage them to send it to someone.
Take a vote whether or not the students would like to go to the next layer.
Applying the scriptures
Now that the cake is finished with a layer of caramel, whipped topping, and candy bar bits, explain that no matter how beautiful or satisfying it appears, it is of no use sitting there. It is not until the cake is eaten and inside of us that it makes a difference. It is the same with scripture study. We can learn, understand, and feel the truth of them, but until what we have learned influences our behavior and actions it is of little use to us.
Invite your students to apply what they have learned from their scripture study and record their goal in their journal or report to a friend.
Serve the cake!
