Primary is for children ages 18 months through 11 years. The Primary theme is "All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children" (3 Nephi 22:13). The purposes of Primary are to help children:
1. 1.
Feel Heavenly Father's love for them. 2.
Learn and understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. 3. Feel and recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost.
4. Prepare to make and keep sacred covenants.
Parents have the first responsibility for the spiritual and physical welfare of their children (see D&C 68:25–28). The bishopric, Primary leaders, and Primary teachers support but do not replace parents in this responsibility.
11.2 Ward Primary Leadership
This chapter focuses on administering the Primary in a way that will strengthen individuals and families. Primary leaders frequently review chapter 3, which outlines general principles of leadership. These principles include preparing spiritually, participating in councils, ministering to others, and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. 11.2.1 Bishopric
The bishop and his counselors provide priesthood leadership for the Primary. Bishop and His Counselors
The bishop calls and sets apart a sister to serve as Primary president. He oversees the calling and setting apart of all other Primary workers. He may assign his counselors to call and set them apart.
The bishop or an assigned counselor conducts interviews for the baptism and confirmation of 8-year-old children who are members of record and 8-year-old children who are not members of record but have at least one parent or guardian who is a member. The full-time missionaries teach and interview 8-year-old children whose parents are not members and children who will be 9 years old or older at the time of baptism.
The bishop or an assigned counselor interviews children before they reach age 12 and advance from Primary. Counselor Assigned to Oversee the Ward Primary
The bishop assigns one of his counselors to oversee the ward Primary. This counselor has the following responsibilities:
He meets regularly with the ward Primary presidency. He reports on Primary matters in bishopric meetings.
He guides efforts to prepare the annual children's sacrament meeting presentation.
He directs the planning of the Priesthood Preview.
He coordinates efforts to have members of the bishopric give short messages to the children in sharing time.
Where Scouting is authorized by the Church, he oversees Scouting for boys ages 8 through 11. 11.2.2 Ward Primary Presidency
The ward Primary presidency consists of a president and two counselors. They work under the direction of the bishopric. They receive orientation and ongoing support from the stake Primary presidency. Ward Primary President
The Primary president has the following responsibilities:
She serves as a member of the ward council. As a member of this council, she participates in efforts to build faith and strengthen individuals and families (see chapter 4).
She submits recommendations to the bishopric for ward members to be called to serve as leaders and teachers in the Primary. In making these recommendations, she follows the guidelines in 19.1.1 and 19.1.2.
She teaches other Primary leaders and teachers their duties, using this handbook as a resource.
She oversees the use of the Faith in God guidebooks as described in 11.5.1.
She oversees the records, reports, budget, and finances of the ward Primary. The Primary secretary helps with this responsibility. Ward Primary President and Her Counselors
Members of the ward Primary presidency work together to fulfill the following responsibilities. The Primary president may assign her counselors to oversee some of these responsibilities.
They learn the children's names and become familiar with their talents, interests, and challenges. They look for ways to strengthen children individually and help them participate in Primary.
They orient newly called teachers and oversee efforts to improve gospel learning and teaching in Primary. In these efforts, they follow the principles in 5.5.3 and 5.5.4. They also support Primary teachers and nursery leaders by (1) visiting with them occasionally to address their questions and concerns and to discuss ways to serve the children; (2) helping them maintain reverence during sharing time, class time, and breaks; and (3) arranging to visit their classes.
They plan sharing time and oversee the programs, activities, and events listed in 11.5.
They hold Primary presidency meetings. They also meet regularly with the counselor in the bishopric who oversees Primary. 11.2.3 Ward Primary Secretary
The ward Primary secretary has the following responsibilities:
She consults with the presidency to prepare agendas for presidency meetings. She attends these meetings, takes notes, and keeps track of assignments.
At least quarterly, she compiles attendance information, reviews it with the Primary president, and submits it to the ward clerk.
She ensures that the Primary president and ward executive secretary are aware of children who will soon be eligible for baptism and who will soon advance from Primary to the Aaronic Priesthood and Young Women.
She helps the Primary presidency prepare an annual budget and account for expenses.
She assists children, teachers, and parents as requested by the Primary presidency. For example, she may help monitor classes and maintain reverence during sharing time. She may also assign children to give talks in upcoming sharing times and inform the children's parents of the assignments. 11.2.4 Ward Primary Music Leader(s) and Pianist(s)
Under the direction of the Primary presidency, Primary music leaders and pianists have the following responsibilities:
They plan, teach, and direct the music for sharing time, including songs that will be part of the children's sacrament meeting presentation.
They help with music for the nursery class and other Primary classes as requested.
They may organize and direct a children's choir as requested.
Members of the Primary presidency help the ward Primary music leaders and pianists understand how music contributes to Primary. The melodies, words, and messages of Primary songs can teach children the doctrines of the gospel and stay in their hearts throughout their lives.
Music in Primary should invite reverence, teach the gospel, and help children feel the influence of the Holy Ghost and the joy that comes through singing. While the children sing some songs, music leaders give them opportunities to move physically and stretch appropriately.
The Children's Songbook and the current sharing time outline are the basic resources for music in Primary. Hymns from the hymnbook and songs from the Friend and Liahona are also appropriate. Occasionally children may sing patriotic or holiday songs that are suitable for Sunday and for the children's ages. The use of any other music in Primary must be approved by the bishopric.
For information about teaching music to children, see the Children's Songbook, pages 300–304. See also chapter 14 in this handbook, the current outline for sharing time, and "Music Callings and Resources" in the Serving in the Church section of LDS.org. 11.2.5 Primary Teachers and Nursery Leaders
Primary teachers and nursery leaders work with specific age-groups of children. These teachers and leaders follow the principles outlined in 5.5.4.
Primary teachers and nursery leaders remain with the children during the entire Primary time on Sunday, including sharing time and breaks. During sharing time, they sit with their assigned classes, sing the songs with the children, and help the children participate reverently. 11.2.6 Activity Days Leaders and Scout Leaders
If a ward Primary holds activity days and Scouting activities for children ages 8 through 11, the activities may be planned and conducted by the teachers of these children or by other leaders the bishopric calls to fulfill these responsibilities (see 11.5.2 and 11.5.3).
11.3 Leadership Meetings 11.3.1 Ward Council Meeting
The Primary president serves as a member of the ward council (see chapter 4). 11.3.2 Ward Primary Presidency Meeting
The Primary presidency holds a presidency meeting regularly. The president presides at the meeting and conducts it. The secretary attends, takes notes, and keeps track of assignments.
The agenda may include the following items:
1. 1.
Plan ways to strengthen individual children and teachers in the Primary. 2.
Read and discuss scripture passages and instructions from Church leaders that relate to their callings. 3. Discuss the effectiveness of Sunday Primary, including music. Also discuss the effectiveness of weekday activities. Plan ways to improve.
4. Make plans to instruct other Primary workers in their responsibilities.
5. Review attendance records. Make plans to help children who have recently entered Primary and children whose families are less active.
6. Review the Primary budget and expenditures.
The Primary presidency may invite other Primary workers to attend these meetings as needed. 11.3.3 Meeting with a Counselor in the Bishopric
The Primary presidency meets regularly with the counselor in the bishopric who oversees the Primary organization. In these meetings they counsel together about the progress and needs of individual children. Members of the Primary presidency give reports, make recommendations, and review plans for meetings and activities. When appropriate, other Primary workers may be invited to attend this meeting to give reports and receive instruction. 11.3.4 Stake Primary Leadership Meeting
Stake Primary leadership meeting is generally held once a year, as explained in 18.3.11. Ward Primary presidencies and secretaries attend. Other Primary leaders and teachers, as well as the bishopric member assigned to the Primary, may be invited to attend as needed.
11.4 Sunday Primary 11.4.1 Schedule
Sunday Primary is normally held for 1 hour and 40 minutes while adults and youth attend priesthood meetings, Relief Society meeting, Young Women classes, and Sunday School.
Children in the nursery stay in their nursery class for the entire time, as outlined in the nursery manual, Behold Your Little Ones. The other children attend two sessions. In one session, children meet together for 50 minutes for sharing time. In the other session, they divide into smaller classes for 40-minute lessons taught by their Primary teachers.
The children and teachers who attend sharing time and classes have a 10-minute break between the two sessions. During this break, they prepare for the next session. Children may use the restroom or get a drink of water. Teachers supervise the children throughout the break.
The following charts show three options for scheduling Sunday Primary. When considering which option to follow, Primary leaders ensure that the older children attend sharing time at the same time as Aaronic Priesthood quorum meetings and Young Women classes. This will allow for a smooth transition for children when they reach age 12.
Option 1: The younger children and older children meet for sharing time in two different groups. During the first 50 minutes, one group meets for sharing time while the other group divides into classes for 40 minutes and has a 10-minute break. Then the two groups switch places, with the first group taking a 10-minute break before their classes begin.
Sharing Time 50 minutes
Break 10 minutes
Classes 40 minutes
Classes 40 minutes
Break 10 minutes
Sharing Time 50 minutes
Option 2: All the children meet together for sharing time first. Then they have a break and go to their classes.
Sharing Time 50 minutes
Break 10 minutes
Classes 40 minutes
Option 3: All the children go to their classes first. Then they have a break and meet together for sharing time.
Classes 40 minutes
Break 10 minutes
Sharing Time 50 minutes 11.4.2 Sharing Time
Sharing time provides opportunities for children to learn the gospel of Jesus Christ and feel the influence of the Holy Ghost. The Primary presidency follows the outline for sharing time, which is sent to the ward each year. Additional copies are available from Church Distribution Services and under "Primary" in the Serving in the Church section of LDS.org.
Members of the presidency take turns conducting sharing time. This time normally includes the following elements:
1. 1.
Prelude music, a reverent song or hymn that the children know, and an opening prayer by one of the children. 2.
One or more of the following: a scripture passage chosen and read by one of the children, memorization of an article of faith, a brief message by a member of the bishopric, one or two activity songs, and children's talks that are related to the month's theme. 3. Gospel instruction by the Primary presidency. This portion lasts about 15 minutes. Members of the presidency use the scriptures and follow the current outline for sharing time as they prepare and teach.
4. Singing time conducted by a music leader. This portion lasts about 20 minutes (see the current outline for sharing time).
5. A closing prayer by one of the children, followed by postlude music.
11.4.3 Classes
As shown in the following guidelines, children are normally grouped in Primary classes according to their ages.
Parents, leaders, and teachers encourage older children to bring their personal copies of the scriptures to church where possible.
For information about adapting classes to local needs, see 11.7. Nursery Class
Children may begin attending the nursery class as soon as they reach the age of 18 months. They continue attending nursery until they are eligible to attend the Sunbeam class, as shown in the chart under the next heading. Primary Classes
Children begin attending a new Primary class on the first Sunday of each calendar year. They are normally divided into classes based on their age on January 1, as shown in the following chart.
3
Sunbeam
4
CTR 4
5
CTR 5
6
CTR 6
7
CTR 7
8
Valiant 8
9
Valiant 9
10
Valiant 10
11
Valiant 11 Children Age 12
Children advance from Primary when they reach age 12. Leaders may give them a certificate of advancement.
During sharing time, new 12-year-olds attend their Aaronic Priesthood quorum meeting or Young Women class.
During Primary class time, new 12-year-olds normally attend their Valiant 11 Primary class until the end of the year. However, the bishop and the presidents of the Primary, Young Men, Young Women, and Sunday School may counsel together to determine if these 12-year-olds would benefit more from attending the Sunday School class for 12- and 13-year-olds. As these leaders counsel together, they consider the needs of the children and the times of the year when individual children will reach age 12. Their decision applies to all young men and women who reach age 12 that year.
11.5 Primary Programs, Activities, and Events 11.5.1 Faith in God Program
The Faith in God program helps boys and girls ages 8 through 11 live gospel principles, develop testimonies, and prepare to be righteous Aaronic Priesthood holders and righteous young women. This program also encourages children to memorize the Articles of Faith.
The ward Primary president ensures that each child who reaches age 8 receives a copy of Faith in God for Girls or Faith in God for Boys. She helps parents understand that they can use these guidebooks as resources for activities with individual children and with the entire family. 11.5.2 Activity Days
Where practical, the Primary may hold activity days for boys and girls ages 8 through 11. Leaders and teachers use the Faith in God guidebooks as resources for activity days, supporting the work children and parents do at home to fulfill Faith in God requirements.
Activity days are held no more than twice each month. They may be held at the meetinghouse or in a home. As leaders determine the frequency and location of activity days, they consider the time constraints of the children's families, travel distance and costs, children's safety, and other local circumstances. Leaders ensure that activity days follow the guidelines in 11.8.1 and in chapter 13.
The children's Primary teachers conduct activity days unless the bishopric calls separate activity days leaders. 11.5.3 Scouting Activities
Where Scouting is authorized by the Church, Scout activities take the place of activity days for boys ages 8 through 11. To maintain a gospel focus in Scout activities, leaders use the Faith in God for Boys guidebook as one of their resources. As boys fulfill requirements in the guidebook, they also qualify for religious awards in Scouting.
The children's Primary teachers may serve as Scout leaders, or the bishopric may call others to serve as Scout leaders. Leaders ensure that Scouting activities follow the guidelines in 11.8.1 and in chapter 13.
The Primary presidency ensures that all boys ages 8 through 11 are registered in the Scout program and that all Scout leaders are registered and receive proper training. For more information about Scouting, including guidelines for planning annual day camps, see the Church's Scouting Handbook and the Day Camp Guide for Eleven-Year-Old Scouts.
The Church has not adopted the Tiger Cub program (in the United States) or the Beaver program (in Canada) for Primary-age boys. 11.5.4 Children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation
The annual children's sacrament meeting presentation gives children an opportunity to share what they have learned in Primary. It is normally presented during the fourth quarter of the year.
The Primary presidency and music leader(s) prepare the presentation under the direction of the bishopric. They follow the guidelines in the current outline for sharing time, adapting it as needed to fit the circumstances of the children.
In the sacrament meeting, the presentation comes after the administration of the sacrament and may take all or part of the remaining time. All Primary children ages 3 through 11 sing songs they have learned in sharing time. Children may also participate by reading or reciting scripture passages, giving talks, singing in small groups, and sharing their testimonies. An adult leader in Primary may also share a brief message.
In keeping with the sacredness of sacrament meeting, the presentation should not include visuals, costumes, or media presentations. 11.5.5 Priesthood Preview
A meeting called Priesthood Preview is held each year for 11-year-old boys and their parents. The purpose of this meeting is to help boys understand the priesthood and strengthen their commitment to prepare to receive it. Possible topics for the meeting include priesthood purposes, responsibilities, and blessings (for some ideas, see Faith in God for Boys, pages 12–13).
A member of the bishopric conducts the Priesthood Preview, and at least one member of the Primary presidency attends. Other leaders, including members of the deacons quorum presidency and Young Men presidency, may also attend.
If a ward has very few 11-year-old boys, the meeting may be held, under the direction of the stake presidency, with other wards or with the entire stake. According to local needs, it may be held on a Sunday evening, as part of a deacons quorum meeting on Sunday, or at another time.
11.6 Stake Primary Leadership 11.6.1 Stake Presidency
The stake presidency's responsibilities relating to auxiliary organizations in the stake are outlined in 15.1. 11.6.2 High Councilor Assigned to the Stake Primary
The stake president assigns a member of the high council to work with the stake Primary presidency. This high councilor's responsibilities are outlined in 15.3. In addition to those responsibilities, he helps implement the Scouting program for boys ages 8 through 11 where it is authorized by the Church (see the Church's Scouting Handbook). 11.6.3 Stake Primary Presidency
The responsibilities of the stake Primary presidency are outlined in 15.4.1. 11.6.4 Stake Primary Secretary
The responsibilities of the stake Primary secretary are outlined in 15.4.2. 11.6.5 Stake Primary Music Leader
Under the direction of the stake Primary presidency, a stake Primary music leader may help give instruction in stake Primary leadership meetings. He or she may also give individual instruction to Primary presidencies, music leaders, and pianists. When requested, the stake Primary music leader organizes and directs a stake children's choir.
Instruction should include demonstrating effective ways to teach the gospel to children through music. Resources include the Children's Songbook, pages 300–304. See also chapter 14 in this handbook, the current outline for sharing time, and "Music Callings and Resources" in the Serving in the Church section of LDS.org.
11.7 Adapting the Primary Organization to Local Needs
In a ward with many children in an age-group, Primary leaders may organize multiple classes for those children. This adaptation may be especially helpful in wards that have many nursery-age children.
In a ward with few children, Primary leaders may combine two or more age-groups into one class.
In a small ward or branch, the members of the Primary presidency may be the only Primary leaders and teachers. In a very small unit, the Primary president may be the only Primary leader and teacher. In this case, she conducts sharing time and teaches a class for all the children. When possible, more leaders and teachers should be called in the following order:
1. 1.
Counselors in the Primary presidency 2.
Music leaders 3. Primary teachers and nursery leaders
4. Secretary
5. Activity days leaders and Scout leaders (where applicable)
In a very small branch that does not have a Primary president, the Relief Society president can help parents organize instruction for their children until a Primary president is called.
In a small stake or district, the Primary president may be the only stake or district Primary leader. When possible, other leaders should be called in the following order:
1. 1.
Counselors in the stake or district Primary presidency 2.
Music leader 3. Secretary
For general information about adapting to local needs, see chapter 17.
11.8 Additional Guidelines and Policies 11.8.1 Men Serving in Primary
When considering members who might serve in the Primary, the bishopric and the Primary presidency should remember the positive influence of worthy men in the ward. Children, especially those who do not have worthy priesthood holders in their homes, need to see examples of righteous, caring priesthood holders. Men may serve as teachers, music leaders, pianists, activity days leaders, and Scout leaders. They may also assist in the nursery.
When men are assigned to teach children, at least two responsible adults should be present at all times. The two adults could be two men, a husband and wife, or two members of the same family. In small branches, if it is not practical to have two teachers in a classroom, a member of the Primary presidency frequently visits and monitors each class that a man teaches alone. 11.8.2 Baptismal Services for Eight-Year-Old Children of Record
See 20.3.4. 11.8.3 Testimony Bearing in Primary
Parents, Primary leaders, and teachers bear simple and direct testimony when they teach, helping children learn what a testimony is and how to express a testimony.
Testimony meetings are discouraged in Primary. However, parents, Primary leaders, and teachers may provide other opportunities for testimony bearing. For example, children may share their testimonies when they give lessons in family home evening and when they give talks in sharing time. Such opportunities help children prepare to share their testimonies in fast and testimony meeting when they are old enough to do so without assistance from a parent, sibling, or other person. 11.8.4 Encouraging Reverence
Reverence is an expression of love and respect for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Primary leaders and teachers help children understand what reverence is and how to act reverently. They encourage reverence by personal example. They also encourage reverence by coming to church prepared to teach from the scriptures and to use visuals and learning activities that invite the influence of the Holy Ghost. 11.8.5 Portrayals of Deity in Role-Playing Activities
Leaders and teachers carefully maintain reverence when they choose to conduct role-playing activities, especially when people dramatize sacred events. God the Father and the Holy Ghost are not to be portrayed in any way. The Savior should not be portrayed by children except in a nativity scene. For additional guidelines, see 13.6.15. 11.8.6 Children Who Have Special Needs
When a child has a prolonged illness, a disability, or other special needs, Primary leaders consult with priesthood leaders and the child's parents to determine ways to help.
Children who have disabilities are normally included in their regular Primary classes. As needed, and where possible, a special teacher may be called to attend class with them or to teach them separately. If an illness or disability requires that a child stay at home, Primary teachers may help members of the child's family teach Primary lessons to him or her. The child is enrolled in Primary with his or her age-group, and the teacher marks the child present when a lesson is given.
Children with disabilities or other special needs normally advance from Primary when they reach age 12.
For information about understanding, including, and teaching children who have disabilities, see 21.1.26 and disabilities.lds.org. 11.8.7 Finances
Activities for all aspects of Primary—including nursery, activity days, and Scouting—are funded from the ward budget. Supplies that are purchased for Primary activities, classes, or meetings belong to the ward. They are not for the personal use of Primary workers or their family members.
If the ward budget does not have sufficient funds to pay for an annual day camp or similar activity for children ages 8 through 11, leaders may ask participants to pay for part or all of it. In no case should the expenses or travel for an annual day camp or similar activity be excessive. Nor should the lack of personal funds prohibit a member from participating.
Church funds may not be used to purchase uniforms for individuals.
For more information about funding for activities, see 13.2.8.