12.

Primary

12.1

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.

12.1.1
Purposes
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 the work of salvation and exaltation.

12.1.2
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).

12.1.3
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:

Age on December 31 of the Previous Year Class on January 1

2 Nursery (children join nursery at 18 months)

 Age on December 31 of the Previous Year Class on January 1

3 Sunbeam

4 CTR 4

5 CTR 5

6 CTR 6

7 CTR 7

8 Valiant 8

9 Valiant 9

10 Valiant 10

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.

12.1.4
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,” 12.2.1.2, and 12.3.4.

12.1.5
Nursery
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 of the same gender. The 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.

12.2

Participating in the 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 accomplish this work. For
more information about the work of salvation and exaltation, study chapter 1.

12.2.1
Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ
12.2.1.1
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 limited-use 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).
12.2.1.2
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:

Part of Meeting Length

Opening (prayer, scripture or Article of Faith, and talk—all given by children) 5 minutes

Singing time 20 minutes

Transition to classes 5 minutes

Classes and closing prayer 20 minutes

In wards with many children, Primary leaders may divide children into two groups.
One group is in classes while the other group is in singing time. Then the two
groups change places. Leaders adjust the time as needed.

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.

The presentation may take all or part of the meeting time after the sacrament. Units
with few children may invite children’s family members to participate.

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 limited-use 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.

If a unit has few children, the meeting may be held under the direction of the stake
presidency. Some or all of the wards in the stake meet together.

See Temple and Priesthood Preparation on ChurchofJesusChrist.org for more

information.

12.2.1.3
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 accomplish the 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).

The following guidelines may be adapted to local circumstances:

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. Such camps are optional. Primary activities, including day camps, do
not include overnight stays.

All supplies and activities, including optional 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 available. These resources provide service and activity ideas.

12.2.1.4
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.

12.2.2
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 available, JustServe.org
suggests opportunities for service in the community.

12.2.3
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.

12.2.4
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 limited-use 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).

12.3

Ward Primary Leadership

12.3.1
Bishopric
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.

12.3.2
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 president has the following 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.

12.3.3
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.
 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.

12.3.4
Music Leader and Pianist
The music leader and pianist teach children the gospel of Jesus Christ through
music during singing time. Music reinforces weekly Come, Follow Me study. The
following resources may be used:

Come, Follow Me—For Primary

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

Children’s Songbook

Hymns

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.

If a pianist or piano is not available, instrumental music is available on the music

library app and website. 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.

12.3.5
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).

12.3.6
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 the 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.)

12.4

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 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). He serves on the stake youth leadership committee (see
29.3.10).
12.5

Additional Guidelines and Policies

12.5.1
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.

12.5.2
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.

For more information, see disability.ChurchofJesusChrist.org; see also 38.8.28 in

this handbook.

12.5.3
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.

12.5.4
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.

12.5.5
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.

12.5.6
CTR Rings
When children begin the CTR 4 class, the Primary presidency or their Primary
teacher may remind the children to “choose the right” and give them a green CTR
ring.

12.5.7
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.

For more information, see ChildrenandYouth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.