Scripture Study with teens is different than with little children.  When they are young, the stories, memorizing verses and the basic concepts of the gospel are the focus of study.  When they become teens, they are eager to understand what the Gospel is all about.  They want the mysteries of the kingdom to begin opening for them.  They want adult conversation about these important things. 

     I suggest that a repetitive study of the Articles of Faith will open the door to gospel discussion in a comfortable and interesting fashion.  The Articles are not just for the primary children to memorize.  They are inspired and incredibly complex.  Two apostles wrote books concerning these thirteen small articles. 

There are two of the Lord's teaching methods will assist in the study of the Articles of Faith: Repetition and Circles.

The Lord's Method of Repetition is shown in the Joseph Smith History: 
  1. Identify how the information is important to the listener, Tell the information and use the Lord's words (scriptures, prophets, inspiration) and history (what has happened, been proved, worked in the past, not worked) see verses 33-42
  2. Repeat exactly what was previously said "he commenced, and again related the very same things which he had done at his first visit, without the least variation"
  3. Repeat again and add more information  "And heard him rehearse or repeat over again tome the same things as before; and added a caution to me..." 
  4. Repeat again and then have the listener tell "He then again related unto me all that he had related to me the previous night, and commanded me to go to my father and tell him of the vision and commandments which I had received."

A Circular Study of the Basics

     It is easy to feel that Sunday school lessons are repetitive and dull.  They go over the basics again and again.  Repetition is a Celestial learning technique.  The Lord uses it over and over when he has important points that need remembering.  He gives his message and then repeats it often adding a bit more information each time.  In class we are constantly encouraged to study and ponder the scriptures on our own.  The assumption would be that it is in personal and family study that the mysteries of the kingdom would be revealed.  The purpose of the  Sunday School lessons would be to supplement our personal study, not the other way around. 
     How would a constant review of basics assist in personal and family study?  When you are well grounded in basics then your brain is able to awaken and comprehend the scriptures in an 'unfolding' manner. 

    ... He (Alma) opened his mouth and began to speak unto him (Zeezrom), and to establish the words of Amulek, and to explain things beyond, or to unfold the scriptures beyond that which Amulek had done.      Alma 12:1

     Unfolding the scriptures beyond the scriptures is to teach principles in depth based upon what appears to be a small amount of material.  It is connecting many small amounts of materials, unfolding this layer and that one and the next. 
     A firm grounding in the basics does two things. First it opens the scriptures to your understanding so that you are able to unfold them. Then it keeps you unfolding in directions that leads you to Christ and away from confusion or inaccuracies.  By knowing the basic doctrine you can be protected from straying from truth.
     There are three basic ways to study the scriptures.  Linear study would be to begin at a point and proceed forward.  The western literature pattern is linear.  It is well ordered and takes the reader to the conclusion with relatively little detraction.  In scripture study this would be simple reading.
     The next method is still linear but more complex.  The study begins with a single point and moves forward to the destination.  Then another line of thought is attached to the same point and moved again to the same destination.  This pattern is repeated.  It is like a Sunday, several lines grouped together moving to a common end.  In scripture study this could be demonstrated by topical study.  A topic is chosen and verses are researched concerning that one topic. 
     The third method is not linear and is more difficult to follow.  It is circular, beginning at a point, moving outward and back to the same point.  Like a golden ring with a silver chain link attached.  The ring being the important concept and the links being the supportive concepts.  The link begins at the center and returns to it.  Then another link is added to the gold ring, and another and another.  Additional links can be added to the first set of links making a circular wave always back in the direction of origination, or the important point. 
     This method can be illustrated in scripture study by studying a doctrine and finding supportive scriptures which also lead to additional topics and scriptures that are tied back to the opening doctrine.  This brings about depth of comprehension in how everything works together to testify of truth.  Mysteries are opened, mysteries being those things which an individual must discover through study rather than through simple reading or hearing.  Circular study brings about the unfolding of scriptures to our understanding.
        Circular study is a powerful thought pattern for in-depth learning.  The person needs to work to even see the pattern and to pick up the next link.  It is an exercise of the brain and spirit.  It is foreign to most of our interactions and readings.  It can cause the mind to spin before full completion of the study is reached so that you must rest and ponder before preceding.  This is a building precept upon precept.