I have found that meaningful prep times often result from meaningful companionship meetings. I like to think of companionship meetings in the same context of missionaries and their planning meetings. These meetings should not be moments to update on the very last class, but they should be revelatory, vision focused, and have concrete plans for the future. When this is how a companionship meeting looks, I find I can come in confident with where to go with class, and instead of taking the time to figure out needs and what I am going to teach, my prep time is like a personal study where I find resources to meet the needs of the missionaries.
For a greater explanation, I thought I would post some of the things that Zone 3 discussed in a zone meeting about how to improve companionship meetings. Enjoy these ideas and please post any other ideas on how companionship meetings can look more like a vision oriented planning meeting.
- Don't "discover" needs during the meeting, the meeting should be held to find solutions (planning sessions)
- What should your focus and goals be for the next week? Establish a bird's eye view for the missionary.
- Teacher Log must be up-to-date. Same view and same interpretation.
- Use the curriculum to find solutions.
- Teacher Log should be used as a "daily planning" like log. Communicate ideas for the next lesson.
- Make specific plans to meet the needs. Be aware of your resources (additional activities, studies, other teachers, branch president).
- Have faith in the doctrine.
I completely agree with this comment and know that planning is one of the most important aspects of our responsibility as a teacher. Besides living what we preach, our preparation will affect the environment of learning more than anything else. I had an experience with planning when after a companionship meeting, I applied the vision we had discussed. I planned my lesson the night before so that when I came to the MTC I only needed to tweak the lesson based on the Spirit. I started the day prayerfully and concerned for my missionaries. I arrived early at the MTC with soft music in my car, and had more than sufficient amount of time to plan. I focused on each of the missionaries, their needs and desires, and how the doctrine could help to change their hearts. This was the most powerful lesson that I have ever experienced. The spirit was so dense, and many missionaries commented, "We don't want to leave; we want to continue to feel this forever, and give THIS to our investigators." I testify that it was because of effective and concerned planning that this feeling was present, and it converted each of our hearts.
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ReplyDeleteIf I may be so bold as to add an addendum to the words of the great Krys Gardner, I would say that prep is not the personal study time...the treasuring up should be done already. But I feel it is more of a gathering time...gather your thoughts, tweak with any new knowledge you learned upon arrival to the MTC about your missionaries, and know the plan you have well enough so as to teach it by the Spirit, adjusting accordingly. Thanks for a sharp observation Krys!
ReplyDeleteThe following excerpt from Preach My Gospel(pg146-147) has great principles to guide our companionship meetings and planning sessions!
ReplyDelete“How to Set Goals
Goals reflect the desires of our hearts and our vision of what we can accomplish. Through goals and plans, our hopes are transformed into action. Goal setting and planning are acts of faith. Prayerfully set goals that are in harmony with the Savior’s command to “teach all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19).
Set goals for each key indicator. You may also set goals for your personal development. Do everything within your power to achieve your goals while respecting the agency of others. The ultimate measure of success is not in achieving goals alone but in the service you render and the progress of others. Goals are a means of helping you bring about much good among Heavenly Father’s children. They are not to be used to receive recognition.
Carefully considered goals will give you clear direction and will help you fill your days with activities that help people strengthen their faith in the Savior and progress toward baptism, confirmation, and full activity in the Church. Challenging goals will help you work effectively and lead you to stretch and grow. “
“Once you have set goals, decide how you will achieve them. You and your companion should hold a weekly planning session….
...Your discussion should focus on the needs of people and how to help them progress. During this weekly planning session, review past goals and set new goals for the coming week….”