“Simplified Instructions for Primary Meetings” (2024)

Simplified Instructions for Primary Meetings

Primary leaders and teachers have been called and set apart to help children feel Heavenly Father’s love and learn about His plan of happiness. We do this as we love, minister to, and teach children the gospel of Jesus Christ through the scriptures and music.

The Primary presidency plans and conducts the opening of Sunday Primary meetings.

Sunday Primary Meeting (ages 3–11 years)	Length: 50 minutes
Sunday Primary Meeting (ages 3–11 years) Welcome by a member of the Primary presidency Opening prayer, scripture or article of faith, and talk or testimony—all given by children Optional message from a member of the bishopric	Length: 50 minutes 5 minutes
Sunday Primary Meeting (ages 3–11 years) Singing time	Length: 50 minutes 20 minutes
Sunday Primary Meeting (ages 3–11 years) Transition to classes	Length: 50 minutes 5 minutes
Sunday Primary Meeting (ages 3–11 years) Classes and closing prayer	Length: 50 minutes 20 minutes

Nursery Meetings (ages 18 months–3 years)—adjust order as needed	Length: 50 minutes
Nursery Meetings (ages 18 months–3 years)—adjust order as needed Welcome by nursery leader Opening prayer given by nursery child, if possible	Length: 50 minutes 5 minutes
Nursery Meetings (ages 18 months–3 years)—adjust order as needed Activity (snack, play with simple toys and games, read, and so on)	Length: 50 minutes 25 minutes
Nursery Meetings (ages 18 months–3 years)—adjust order as needed Lesson from Behold Your Little Ones: Nursery Manual (2008)	Length: 50 minutes 10 minutes
Nursery Meetings (ages 18 months–3 years)—adjust order as needed Singing time	Length: 50 minutes 10 minutes
Nursery Meetings (ages 18 months–3 years)—adjust order as needed Closing prayer

In all interactions with children, we follow the Savior’s example of how He loved the children. Jesus gathered children around Him and blessed them (3 Nephi 17:21–23). Always be gentle with children. Never cause physical or emotional harm. We follow the Savior’s example to always show love, patience, and kindness.

Teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Singing Time and Class Time

Invite Children to Learn by Hearing

Examples

Singing Time: Testify of a gospel truth found in the song. After the children sing, ask, “What do you feel?”

Class Time: Teach and testify of a gospel truth in the scriptures. For example, share a testimony of prayer.

Invite Children to Learn by Moving

Examples

Singing Time: Use hand motions, clapping, standing, or repeating the song in various ways.

Class Time: Act out gospel principles, such as service and kindness, or draw a picture.

Invite Children to Learn by Seeing

Examples

Singing Time and Class Time: Use simple objects to teach principles. Show pictures from the Come, Follow Me manual, Gospel Art Book, or Friend magazine.

Invite Children to Learn through Questions

Examples

Singing Time: Ask, “What have you learned about Jesus from this song?”

Class Time: Ask, “What does this scripture teach you about Heavenly Father’s love?”

Resources in the Gospel Library

Teaching

Scriptures
Come, Follow Me lessons: “Ideas for Teaching Children” sections
Come, Follow Me: “Appendix B: For Primary—Preparing Children for a Lifetime on God’s Covenant Path”
“Teaching Children,” in “Suggestions for a Variety of Teaching Settings and Learners,” Teaching in the Savior’s Way: For All Who Teach in the Home and in the Church (2022), 31–32

Singing

Come, Follow Me: “Appendix C: For Primary—Instructions for Singing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation”
“Videos” and “Singing Time,” in Children, Gospel Library