Tired of asking for volunteers? Try “Hidden Treasures,” “And the Winner Is…,” or “Gold Nuggets” – all creative ways for teachers to call on students to read in class. 

 

As teachers, it’s not uncommon to dread asking others to read a scripture or quote for us during our lesson. If you’re like me, you find it less painful to ask others before the lesson starts rather than asking for a volunteer during your lesson and have to endure that awkward silence. Which of course often leads us to call on someone we know won’t mind reading – generally one of the same few people who read every week.

But what if there was a better way? What if there was a way where we, as teachers, didn’t feel like we were “picking” on anyone? What if there was a way that actually got class members excited to be asked to read – to the point where they are gladly volunteering?

Here are 3 Creative Ways to do just that:

Hidden Treasures how to call on people in classHIDDEN TREASURES – I like to think of scriptures and quotes as Hidden Treasures of Gospel Knowledge. It’s not until we really study those scripture verses or quotes and apply them to our lives that they really become wonderful Hidden Treasures.

At the beginning of class, I use that little spill before I then explain to the class that some of them have a Hidden Treasure (aka scripture or quote) taped under their chair. As soon as I say that, everyone usually starts to feel under their seats in anticipation 😉 I then ask them to hold on to their papers until I need them to be read during the lesson. 

 

And the winner is, how to call on students in classAND THE WINNER IS… – Who doesn’t enjoy the anticipation of seeing who the lucky winner is?!? Or in this case, whose lucky number gets drawn?!? Before class, cut out squares of paper and write a number on each one. *Pre- determine about how many will be in your class and write that many numbers down. 

After you do that, do it one more time. You need a set of numbers to pass out to class members and another set for you to choose from. As class members come into the classroom (or after they are sitting down but before the lesson begins) pass out a number to each person. After you have given each class member a number, take the second set of numbers and put them in a container. (Only put in the same numbers that you passed out. For example: if you passed out numbers 1-6, then put numbers 1-6 in your container)

During your lesson whenever a scripture or quote needs to be read, just choose a number out of your container and the class member with that same number gets to read. This is a great way to get new people to read instead of the same chosen few 😉

 

GOLD NUGGETS – This is probably the favorite for most class members. Who doesn’t like Hershey’s Gold Nuggets?!?!

Gold Nuggets how to ask for volunteers in class

Just like scriptures and quotes can seem like Hidden Treasures, another way to look at them is as Gold Nuggets of information. Before the lesson, I will print out the scripture or quote I need read, and then tape a Gold Nugget onto it. It’s amazing to see how many more volunteers I receive when they know they’ll get a piece of chocolate if they read 😉 You can also use Hershey’s HUGS as well – reading the scriptures invites the Spirit which is like a warm spiritual HUG. 

*These suggestions can be used in primary, youth or adult classes.

 

I hope you have fun with these! If anything, I hope they will spark some inspiration for more ways you can ask class members to read in class.

Yours Truly,