Primary General Presidency Shares Tips for Creating At-Home Primary Experiences

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By Sydney Walker, Church News

While visiting the small island of Vanuatu, Primary General President Joy D. Jones saw how some Primary children met in a building without walls.

“But that doesn’t stop them from having Primary,” President Jones told children in a recent video posted on her Facebook page. She explained how the children would pull out a mat, sit on the ground, sing songs, learn the gospel, make friends — and feel the spirit of Primary.

“Isn’t it wonderful how Primary can be held no matter where or how we meet?” she said.

In the January 3 video, President Jones was joined by her counselors, Sister Lisa L. Harkness and Sister Cristina B. Franco, to encourage children, parents and Primary leaders to create Primary experiences at home.

“As we enter 2021, restrictions on gathering in person may remain,” Sister Harkness said to parents. “Many children are still missing the experiences they once enjoyed in Primary. But you can continue to help them have a Primary experience in your very own home.”

Sister Harkness suggested setting aside class time and singing time for children to participate in simple lessons and songs. Children can still give talks and recite a scripture or article of faith, she added.

“These Primary experiences you create in your homes will bless your children and help them learn the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Sister Harkness said.

Sister Franco listed various Church resources for children, including the Friend magazine, the “Come, Follow Me” Primary manual, the Children’s Songbook and hymnbook, and activity ideas in the Children and Youth program.

On February 20, the Primary general presidency will hold a special broadcast for children called “Friend to Friend,” Sister Franco said. “In this event, we will sing together, play together and learn together. Mark your calendars. It will be truly wonderful.”

President Jones concluded the video message by thanking Primary leaders and teachers for ministering to children. “While there may be some things we can’t do in Primary right now, prayerfully consider what you can do.

“Think of each of the children in your Primaries. Do they have the support they need in their homes to learn the gospel of Jesus Christ? How can you continue to maintain a connection and create or support a Primary experience for each of those children you know and love?”

“We know the Lord will guide you in your efforts to hear Him and minister one by one,” she said.

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