From the Juvenile Instructor, October 1929 –

A visitor to the Latter-day Saint Sunday Schools in and near Salt Lake city during the summer made in substance the following observations:

Sunday School officers do not seem to have clearly in mind what is expected of them. They do not seem to know Sunday School procedure. The Stake superintendent should meet the new Ward superintendent and instruct him in detail as to how to proceed. Newness in the service should not be an excuse.

Many Sunday Schools lack finish. Attention is not paid to details. Too often the schools start late. The singing practice varies from none to fifteen minutes. Only one had a fifteen minute practice; most had fewer than ten minutes.

Class work varied from fifteen to fifty minutes, only one school visited having the required amount.

In some cases the superintendency were late for Sunday School. With one exception Prayer meeting started late and was rushed through.

In most cases the teaching was poorly done. The reasons for this I would say are (1) Lack of preparation, (2) Ignorance of methods of procedure, (3) No illustrative material of a concrete nature (such as pictures, maps or other tangible things), (4) Lack of vision of what a class should do, (5) Carelessness and the idea that the class period is intended for entertainment of students.

Teachers ought to know the laws of learning. These laws are as definite as the law of gravitation and if not followed there is no learning. Teachers should be taught how to make their presentation plan. Mastery of subject matter can be taken for granted and emphasis placed upon a definite plan which should preferably be reduced to writing.

Teachers should be impressed with the vision of Sunday School work. They are preparing students for life, for a spiritual life, and for life here; they are giving them courage to fight sin; giving them habits of reverence and respect for God’s servants. It is preparation for joy by living each day.

There is no excuse for disorder. Most schools were well disciplined. Where there is disorder blame rests with the officers and teachers. The Superintendency should discipline themselves first as to a time schedule, preparation, Superintendent’s Meetings and the school will be greatly improved.