children's sacrament meeting presentation 2021

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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.

Information 06/25/2023

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Prepare and Present the Perfect Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentation

This Annual Presentation Should Not Be a Performance

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What follows assumes that you know what the Primary program is and how it operates.

Once a year the Primary children present what they have learned in a special Sacrament Meeting known as the Children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation. Members often look forward to this event. There is always something sweet in hearing children speak basic gospel truths and sing their songs with the simple faith characteristic of the young and innocent.

If you serve in the Primary, then you will help the children and other leaders prepare and present this annual event. What follows below should help.

Guidelines for the Children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation

Obviously, the Handbook is the first place you should go for guidance. All Primary information is contained in Chapter 11 . The brief guidance that exists for the Sacrament presentation can be found in 11.5.4 .

The presentation should take place sometime in the fourth quarter of the year. It should showcase what the children have learned in Primary; so it makes sense to have it towards the end of the year.

After the Sacrament has been administered , the presentation can take up the remaining time in Sacrament meeting, but it does not have to. If you only have a small number of children in Primary, a shorter program may be just fine.

Try not to think of this event as a performance or a celebration. It should be an opportunity for the children to share and demonstrate what they have learned.

What You Should Do in the Presentation

The Presentation takes place under the general direction of the bishopric. One of the bishop's counselors should be assigned to oversee the Primary and work closely with Primary leaders. He should certainly be involved in planning and executing the presentation.

Preliminary meetings should be held with him to plan the presentation. Once finished, he must approve the final plan. He should always be involved in guiding the Primary program and especially the annual presentation.

Each year the Church issues a yearly Outline for Sharing Time . This Outline should be the foundation for the yearly Sacrament presentation as well. The Sharing Time themes should provide the content.

Singing should be a major part of the presentation. The Church provides all the songs and resources that should be used. Every child can participate in singing these songs and every Primary child ages 3-11 should.

Approved aspects of the presentation include children doing the following:

• Reciting scripture passages
• Singing in small groups
• Sharing testimonies
• Brief messages from Primary leaders and the counselor assigned oversight of the Primary.

What You Should Not Do in the Presentation

Images and visual aids are not approved for the presentation. This may take some getting used to. There are numerous images and visual aids provided in the Outline for Sharing Time. Although they can be used during regular Primary time and to teach the children throughout the year, they should not be used for the annual presentation.

In addition, costumes or any type of media presentation should not be used either. They are not consistent with the reverence or solemnity that should prevail in Sacrament meeting.

Music is a Key Focus of the Presentation

Primary music leaders and accompanists should plan for , teach and direct all the music for Sharing Time throughout the year, and during the presentation.

Besides following all the general music guidelines that exist, they must follow the additional guidelines for the Primary. Handbook guidance is found in Chapter 14 . Specific guidance and resources for Primary music leaders is online.

Some musical instruments, songs and teaching resources that are appropriate for teaching children are not appropriate in Sacrament meeting.

Tips to Make the Presentation Go Smoothly

• Time the songs, talks and everything else. Know how long it takes for children to get into position and so forth.
• Ask teachers to remain seated during the songs so that children can see and be seen.
• Involve parents and make certain they have enough time to help their children with their parts of the presentation.
• Make certain all  leaders, music people and teachers have a copy of the program.
• Have someone manage the podium, raising and lowering it and assisting the children with their speaking parts, especially if they take fright at the last moment.
• Rehearse the presentation in the chapel, so the children feel comfortable. However, this should not take up what should be classroom time.
• Use the disability resources the Church provides in order to accommodate all children to participate in the presentation.

When it is all over, praise the children for how well they did. Meet with others to determine what could be improved in the future.

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2021 Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentations

The yearly Primary sacrament meeting presentations let children share what they are learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ at home and at church (see General Handbook, 12.2.1.2). Under the direction of the bishop, it is normally held during the fourth quarter of the year.

Wards should continue to follow local health guidelines as they plan the presentation this year. It may be held virtually if necessary. Simple presentations allow the focus to remain on the children’s testimonies of Heavenly Father and the Savior.

See Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation for more information.

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3 New Handbook Chapters Released: Primary, Young Women, and Aaronic Priesthood Quorums

Under the direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published updates today, March 25, 2020, to chapters in its General Handbook about Aaronic Priesthood quorums, Young Women and Primary (the Church’s organization for children). The chapters are available in English online and in the Gospel Library app.

General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints replaced both  Handbook 1 (for stake presidents and bishops) and  Handbook 2 (for all other leaders) last month. The new book (digital only, with a few exceptions for some areas) is accessible to anyone.

As was noted in February when the new handbook launched , the book will be revised regularly to help leaders around the world use Christlike care in implementing and adapting the Church’s various programs, policies and procedures to their circumstances. With today’s revisions, 12 of the handbook’s 38 chapters have been updated. The entire book will be reworked by 2021.

► Related content:  From Adam and Eve to Nontraditional Families: 6 Takeaways from the New Church Handbook

Content in the chapters on Aaronic Priesthood quorums, Young Women and Primary is organized around the work of salvation and exaltation (the organizing framework for the entire handbook). These three chapters can now be applied more effectively to congregations of all sizes. Some information previously presented in paragraphs is now in lists for easier reading. Word count in each chapter has been reduced by one-third to one-half.

Below is a list of changes specific to each of these three chapters.

Chapter 10:  Aaronic Priesthood Quorums

• The new Aaronic Priesthood Quorum theme (announced in 2019) is included.
• Information about the new Children and Youth program (also announced in 2019) is included.
• More emphasis is placed on encouraging quorum presidencies to direct the work of their quorum.

Chapter 11:  Young Women

• The new Young Women theme (announced in 2019) is included.
• More emphasis is placed on encouraging class presidencies to direct the work of their class.

Chapter 12:  Primary

• Information about the new Children and Youth program is included.
• To protect youth and children and align with Church policy, instructions clarify that youth are not to teach Primary even as substitutes.
• Safety information, including information on restroom safety, has been added to help Primary presidencies better instruct Primary teachers and activity leaders.
• The timing of the annual children’s sacrament meeting presentation is changed from being held during “the fourth quarter of the year” to “the last few months of the year.”

See the February 19 news release for details on updates to nine other chapters. Also see a list of frequently asked questions about the new handbook.

PRESS RELEASE FROM Church Newsroom

Lead image: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.

Primary Children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation

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2021 Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentations

by Larry Richman | Jul 30, 2021

The yearly Primary sacrament meeting presentations let children share what they are learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ at home and at church (see General Handbook, 12.2.1.2). Under the direction of the bishop, it is normally held during the fourth quarter of the year.

Wards should continue to follow local health guidelines as they plan the presentation this year. It may be held virtually if necessary. Simple presentations allow the focus to remain on the children’s testimonies of Heavenly Father and the Savior.

See Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation for more information.

Do we have a primary sacrament theme for this year?

There is no longer an annual theme. The following instructions are from the “Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation:”

The presentation should allow the children to present what they and their families have learned about the gospel of Jesus Christ from the Doctrine and Covenants at home and in Primary, including the Primary songs they have sung during the year. Prayerfully consider which gospel principles and songs support what they have learned. Throughout the year, keep notes of children’s talks and personal experiences for possible use in the presentation. Invite children to share scriptures, stories, and their testimonies of the Savior and His gospel in the presentation. As you plan the presentation, think of ways it can help the congregation focus on the Savior and the truths He restored in the latter days.

I bishop kejai i need a theme of primary this year 2021

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“12. Primary,” General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2020).

“12. Primary,” General Handbook.

Purpose and Organization

Primary is a home-centered, Church-supported organization. It is for children ages 18 months to 11 years. At home, parents teach children the gospel. At church, Primary leaders and teachers support parents through lessons, music, and activities.

Primary helps children:

Feel their Heavenly Father’s love and learn about His plan of happiness.

Learn about Jesus Christ and His role in Heavenly Father’s plan.

Learn and live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Feel, recognize, and act on the influence of the Holy Ghost.

Prepare for, make, and keep sacred covenants.

Participate in God’s work of salvation and exaltation.

Primary Theme

It is a sacred privilege to teach children. Jesus Christ taught, “Behold your little ones” and “feed my lambs” ( 3 Nephi 17:23 ; John 21:15 ). By following these invitations, Primary leaders love and teach children in the Savior’s way.

The Primary theme is a reminder of the blessings of serving in Primary:

“All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children” ( Isaiah 54:13 ; 3 Nephi 22:13 ).

Image icon, guidelines for adaptation Classes

Primary classes are organized by age and the number of teachers available. Units with fewer children or teachers may combine two or more age-groups into one class. In larger units, Primary leaders may form more than one class for an age-group and more than one nursery.

When there are enough children, they are divided into classes based on their age on December 31 of the previous year, as shown on the following chart:

Children generally advance from Primary into Young Women or the deacons quorum in January of the year they turn 12. They may receive a certificate of advancement . These certificates may be generated in Leader and Clerk Resources.

In some circumstances, an 11-year-old may not be ready to leave Primary. The bishop, parents, and child counsel together about the timing.

Children may not complete Primary before January of the year they turn 12. Nor may young men be ordained deacons before that time.

Singing Time

Singing time helps children feel Heavenly Father’s love and learn about His plan of happiness. As children sing about gospel principles, the Holy Ghost testifies of their truthfulness. The words and music will stay in the children’s minds and hearts throughout their lives.

Singing time is different from class time. During singing time, children learn as they actively engage in singing. Primary music leaders teach gospel principles, but they do so primarily through music.

The Primary presidency and music leader select songs for each month to reinforce gospel principles the children are learning in their classes and at home. Songs that reinforce these principles are also suggested in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

For more information, see “ Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation .” See also 12.2.1.2 and 12.3.4 in this handbook.

Nursery helps children 18 months to 3 years feel Heavenly Father’s love and learn about His plan of happiness.

Nursery leaders love, teach, and minister to the children. They also ensure their safety and well-being.

At least two people should be called for each nursery class. If the nursery leaders are not husband and wife, they should be the same gender. Nursery leaders ensure the safety and well-being of the children.

Nursery lasts the entire time scheduled for Primary. For more information, see 12.1.3 and 12.3.5 .

Participating in God’s Work of Salvation and Exaltation

God invites all to come unto Christ and assist in His work by:

Living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Caring for those in need.

Inviting all to receive the gospel.

Uniting families for eternity.

Primary helps children, families, leaders, and teachers participate in this work. For more information about God’s work of salvation and exaltation, study chapter 1 .

Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Roles of parents and leaders.

Parents are responsible to teach their children the gospel and help them live it (see Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–28 ). Primary leaders and teachers support parents in this responsibility as follows:

Ensure that Primary lessons, singing time, and service and activities help children follow the example of the Savior.

Help children prepare for baptism and confirmation.

Help boys prepare for priesthood ordination.

Help children prepare to receive a temple recommend and temple ordinances.

Teach children about the blessings of sharing the gospel, including full-time missionary service.

Leaders should be sensitive to children who lack family support for gospel living.

Parents and leaders strive to be good examples to children. They encourage children in their efforts to become more like Jesus Christ. The Children and Youth program is a resource to help children ages 8–11 (see ChildrenandYouth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org ).

Gospel Learning

Primary leaders and teachers encourage children and their families to learn the gospel at home. These leaders and teachers study the gospel and share with the children what they learn. They invite children to share at church what they are learning at home.

Sunday Primary Meetings. Sunday Primary meetings help children fulfill the purposes of Primary (see 12.1.1 ). A member of the Primary presidency conducts the opening. The music leader conducts singing time. Primary teachers teach children during classes.

Primary meetings for children ages 3–11 are held every Sunday for 50 minutes while adults and youth attend their classes. The schedule is as follows:

Nursery for children ages 18 months to 3 years lasts 50 minutes. Behold Your Little Ones provides a suggested schedule. Children may start attending nursery when they are 18 months old.

Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation. The annual children’s sacrament meeting presentation is held during the last few months of the year. The children present what they have learned at home and at church during the year. They help the congregation focus on Heavenly Father, the Savior, and Their teachings.

The Primary presidency and music leader prayerfully plan the presentation. The bishopric gives direction. Children may sing, give talks, and share stories, scriptures, or testimonies.

Because of the sacredness of sacrament meeting, the presentation should not include visuals, costumes, or media presentations.

See “ Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation ” in Come, Follow Me—For Primary for more information.

Temple and Priesthood Preparation Meeting. Parents have the primary responsibility to teach their children about the temple and the priesthood. To support them, the Primary presidency plans a Temple and Priesthood Preparation meeting each year. The bishopric gives direction. The meeting is for children in the Valiant 10 class. Parents are invited. This meeting has the following purposes:

Help children understand priesthood purposes, responsibilities, and blessings.

Help children participate in temple and family history work and prepare to make and keep sacred covenants.

Help boys prepare to receive the Aaronic Priesthood.

Help children prepare to receive a temple recommend.

The meeting may be held during Primary on Sunday, at another time on Sunday, or at a different time. A member of the bishopric conducts. At least one member of the Primary presidency attends.

See Temple and Priesthood Preparation on ChurchofJesusChrist.org for more information.

Service and Activities

Beginning in January of the year they turn 8, children may begin attending Primary activities. For general activity guidelines, see chapter 20 .

Primary activity leaders plan service and activities that help children participate in God’s work of salvation and exaltation. Service and activities should build testimonies, strengthen families, and provide opportunities to bless others. They should be balanced among four areas of personal growth: spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual.

Primary activities are held at times other than Sundays or Monday evenings. Adult leaders help ensure that activities are safe (see safety.ChurchofJesusChrist.org ; see also 20.7 in this handbook). At least two responsible adult leaders should be present at all activities (see 12.5.1 ).

Primary activities are held two times a month when possible. They can be held more or less frequently. Leaders consider family circumstances, travel distance and costs, and safety.

Generally, children are organized by age-groups. Boys and girls normally meet separately. However, they may combine for certain activities or in locations with few children.

Leaders may choose to plan and hold annual day camps for Primary children ages 8–11. Primary activities, including day camps, do not include overnight stays.

All supplies and activities, including day camps, are paid for by the ward budget. Travel and expenses should not be excessive.

The bishopric ensures that the budget and activities for boys and girls in Primary are sufficient and equitable. Budget is allocated according to the number of children.

For more information, see ChildrenandYouth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org . See also JustServe.org , where it is available. These resources provide service and activity ideas.

Personal Development

In their efforts to become more like the Savior, children—beginning in the year they turn 8—are invited to set goals to grow spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually (see Luke 2:52 ). With help from parents, children seek inspiration to discover what to work on. They make plans, act on their plans, and reflect on what they learn. Leaders offer support as needed. However, they should not track the children’s goals or progress.

Beginning in the year they turn 8, children are encouraged to complete at least one goal in each of the four areas each year. They can use Personal Development: Children’s Guidebook to set and record goals.

For more information, see ChildrenandYouth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org .

Caring for Those in Need

Children should have regular opportunities to serve others in and with their families and during Primary activities. Ideas for service can be found at ChildrenandYouth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org . Where it is available, JustServe.org suggests opportunities for service in the community.

Inviting All to Receive the Gospel

Children can invite all to receive the gospel in many ways. Some of these ways are listed below:

Set a good example as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Share their testimonies with friends and family members.

Minister to less-active class members.

Invite friends to attend church, activities, or baptisms or to be taught by the missionaries.

Invite friends to participate in the Children and Youth program. Leaders work closely with parents of these children to help them understand the program and determine how they and their children would like to be involved.

Invite friends and family members to attend the annual children’s sacrament meeting presentation.

Uniting Families for Eternity

Children can help unite families for eternity in many ways. Some of these ways are listed below:

Honor their parents and set an example of Christlike living in their home.

Prepare to have their own eternal family.

Strive to be worthy to receive a temple recommend at the appropriate age.

Prepare to receive ordinances, including eternal marriage.

Learn about their extended families and ancestors (see My Family: Stories That Bring Us Together ).

Identify ancestors who need temple ordinances (see FamilySearch.org ).

Prepare to participate in baptisms and confirmations for the dead.

Participate in indexing with a family member (see FamilySearch.org/indexing ).

Ward Primary Leadership

The bishop’s foremost responsibility is for the rising generation, including children. The bishop may assign a counselor to help in his responsibility for Primary. The bishop or an assigned counselor meets regularly with the Primary president.

The bishop and his counselors respond promptly to recommendations from the Primary presidency for those to be called to serve in Primary. The bishopric works with the presidency to maintain continuity in teachers and music leaders. When possible, members in these callings should serve long enough to establish loving, trusted relationships with the children. Such relationships help nourish testimonies in the hearts of children.

The bishop and his counselors regularly attend Primary. They also learn the names and understand the home circumstances of each child in the ward.

Image icon, guidelines for adaptation Primary Presidency

The bishop calls and sets apart an adult woman to serve as the ward Primary president. If the unit is large enough, she recommends one or two adult women to be called as her counselors (see chapter 30 ). The bishopric considers her recommendations and extends the callings.

The Primary presidency receives orientation and ongoing support from the stake Primary presidency.

In a small unit, the Primary president may be the only called leader in Primary. In this case, she works with parents to organize lessons, singing time, and activities. She also ensures that at least two responsible adults are present at all meetings and activities. If the unit is large enough, additional callings might be filled in this order: counselors, music leader, teachers and nursery leaders, secretary, and activity leaders.

If a branch does not have a Primary president, the Relief Society president may help parents organize instruction for children until a Primary president is called.

The Primary presidency helps parents prepare children to enter and progress along the covenant path. This is one of their most important responsibilities.

To accomplish this, the Primary president may assign a member of the presidency to help parents prepare their children to be baptized and confirmed. The Primary president may assign another presidency member to help parents with temple and priesthood preparation for their children.

These presidency members make parents aware of resources in the Gospel Library that can help. See, for example, “ Preparing Your Children for a Lifetime on God’s Covenant Path ” in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families . Presidency members may work with ministering brothers and sisters, teachers, and others to support parents.

The Primary president has the following additional responsibilities. Her counselors assist her.

Serve on the ward council. She serves as (1) a ward council member who helps address needs in the ward and find solutions and (2) a representative of the Primary. She helps the ward council know the name and home circumstances of each child in order to enhance ministering to children and families. See 29.2.5 .

Regularly hold Primary presidency meetings and meet with the bishop or his assigned counselor.

Submit recommendations to the bishopric for adult men and women to serve in Primary.

Help the ward council know of children who will be eligible to be baptized in the next year (see 18.7.1.1 ).

Help plan baptismal services for children of record when asked (see 18.7.2 ).

Plan and conduct the opening of Sunday Primary meetings.

Minister to individual children, teachers, and leaders in Primary.

Teach Primary leaders and teachers their responsibilities and support them in those responsibilities by orienting them to their callings (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way [2016],  38 ).

Help Primary leaders and teachers during class time, singing time, and transitions.

Visit Primary classes and arrange for teachers to attend teacher council meetings.

Help introduce the Children and Youth program to children turning 8 and to their parents. This could occur in their homes or their Primary class (see 12.5.7 ).

Oversee the records, reports, budget, and finances of Primary.

Image icon, guidelines for adaptation Secretary

If the unit is large enough, the Primary president recommends to the bishopric an adult woman to serve as the secretary. She has the following responsibilities:

Help the Primary presidency prepare agendas for presidency meetings. She attends these meetings, takes notes, and keeps track of assignments.

Work closely with teachers and leaders to keep accurate attendance records.

Using LCR, work with elders quorum and Relief Society secretaries to keep attendance records for adults serving in Primary.

Make sure the Primary presidency is aware of:

New children and visitors.

Children coming into nursery and children moving from nursery to the Sunbeam class.

Children who are eligible for baptism.

Girls who will advance to Young Women and boys who will be ordained deacons.

Assign children to give prayers, scriptures, and talks during the opening of Sunday Primary meetings (under the presidency’s direction). She also notifies parents.

Help the Primary presidency prepare a budget, account for expenses, and track Children and Youth materials.

Music Leader and Pianist

Come, Follow Me—For Primary

Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Program

Children’s Songbook

Primary Music Collections on ChurchofJesusChrist.org

“ Primary Singing Time—Music Can Teach Doctrine ” ( MediaLibrary.ChurchofJesusChrist.org )

The bishopric must approve the use of any other music in Primary.

Sacred Music app

Gospel Library app

Music.ChurchofJesusChrist.org

CDs at store.ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Children can also sing without accompaniment.

The music leader can help with music for nursery when invited. An additional music leader may be called if needed.

The music leader works with the Primary presidency to help the children prepare for the annual children’s sacrament meeting presentation (see 12.2.1.2 ).

See Singing Time on ChurchofJesusChrist.org for more ideas and resources.

Teachers and Nursery Leaders

The Primary presidency recommends to the bishopric men and women to serve as Primary teachers and nursery leaders. The bishopric considers these recommendations and extends the callings. These members are called to teach and minister to specific age-groups of children.

Primary teachers and nursery leaders teach from Come, Follow Me—For Primary (ages 3–11) and Behold Your Little Ones (nursery). They follow the principles in Teaching in the Savior’s Way and chapter 17 of this handbook.

When adults teach children in Church settings, at least two responsible adults should be present. The two adults could be two women, two men, or a married couple. If this is not possible, leaders should combine classes. Leaders and teachers must complete the training at ProtectingChildren.ChurchofJesusChrist.org . (See 12.5.1 .)

Youth should not teach in Primary, including as substitutes.

Primary teachers and nursery leaders stay with the children throughout Primary, including singing time and transitions. During singing time, teachers participate with their classes. Teachers should remain with young children after Primary until a family member comes for them.

Teachers and nursery leaders attend quarterly teacher council meetings (see 13.4 ).

Image icon, guidelines for adaptation Activity Leaders

Primary activity leaders minister to children as they plan service and activities beginning in January of the year children turn 8 (see 12.2.1.3 ). Service and activities focus on God’s work of salvation and exaltation. They are fun and engaging. They build testimonies, strengthen families, and foster personal growth.

Primary activity leaders can be the children’s Primary teachers. They can also be other members the Primary presidency recommends and the bishopric calls. At least two leaders attend each activity. Leaders can be two women, two men, or a married couple. Leaders must complete the training at ProtectingChildren.ChurchofJesusChrist.org . (See 12.5.1 .)

Image icon, guidelines for adaptation Stake Primary Leaders

The stake presidency calls an adult woman to serve as stake Primary president. If a stake is large enough, she recommends one or two adult women to serve as counselors and another to serve as secretary. These women are called and set apart by a member of the stake presidency or an assigned high councilor. For information about the responsibilities of the stake Primary presidency and secretary, see 6.7.1 , 6.7.1.3 , and 6.7.3 .

A counselor in the stake presidency has responsibility for Primary in the stake. He also has responsibility for the work of the stake Primary presidency. He also instructs bishops in their responsibilities for Primary.

The stake presidency assigns a high councilor to work with the stake Primary presidency (see 6.5 ).

Additional Guidelines and Policies

Safeguarding children.

When adults are interacting with children in Church settings, at least two responsible adults should be present. It may be necessary to combine classes to make this possible.

All adults who work with children must complete the children and youth protection training within one month of being sustained ( ProtectingChildren.ChurchofJesusChrist.org ). They repeat the training every three years thereafter.

Children Who Have Special Needs

When a child has a long illness, disability, or special need, Primary leaders talk with parents and the bishopric. Together they make a plan to support the family and help the child participate in Primary.

Children with disabilities typically attend their regular Primary class. As necessary, additional teachers may be called to assist.

Children with disabilities or other special needs typically complete Primary at the beginning of January in the year they turn 12. Some children may not complete Primary on this schedule. The bishop and parents work together to decide what is best for each child.

Men Serving in Primary

The bishopric and Primary presidency should remember the positive influence of worthy men serving in Primary. Men may serve as teachers, nursery leaders, music leaders and pianists, and Primary activity leaders.

Restroom Safety

Leaders and teachers should encourage parents to take their children to the restroom before Primary. During Primary, a young child must be taken to the restroom by a parent or legal guardian. Leaders and teachers should not take children into the restroom.

Role-Playing Activities

Leaders and teachers should be careful when acting out sacred events in Primary. Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost are not portrayed. Children may portray the Savior only in a Nativity scene. For additional guidelines, see 20.5.6 .

Image icon, optional resources CTR Rings

When children begin the CTR 4 class, the Primary presidency and their Primary teacher remind them to “choose the right.” These leaders also give each child a green CTR ring .

Introducing the Children and Youth Program

At the beginning of each year, the bishop, one of his counselors, or members of the Primary presidency may visit the home or Primary class of each child who will turn 8 during the year. They introduce children and their parents to the Children and Youth program. Each child receives the emblems of belonging and a copy of Personal Development: Children’s Guidebook . These resources are available at store.ChurchofJesusChrist.org .